What does a student need to complete college? Paper, pens, books… and, apparently, Beyoncé.
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, arguably one of the world’s most notable musicians, will be the subject of a new course at Yale University. “Beyoncé Makes History: Black Radical Tradition, Culture, Theory & Politics Through Music” will be a single-credit class at the Ivy League school, starting in Spring 2025. The course, led by African American Studies Professor Daphne Brooks, will examine the pop icon’s overall career, her engagement in social and political views, and her undeniable influence on modern world culture.
Brooks believes that Beyoncé embodies black feminism, social consciousness, and all-encompassing artistry, taking form far beyond the stardom she has garnered over the past three decades.
“Other artists have not embraced intersectional political and historical work like Beyoncé has,” Brooks said in an interview with Yale Daily News. Brooks goes on: “And that’s not to pit them against each other; it’s just to make a point about what institutions choose to value and what they often disregard, and it’s often people of color and especially women of color’s artistic achievements. So, that’s why this class needed to happen right now.”…