The Pop Culture Syllabus: Beyonce, Black Feminism & Cultural Symbolism

Beyoncé is more than a global superstar, she is a cultural force whose career spans music, film, business, and activism. In this 6-week flex course, students will explore her evolution from a Houston teen in Destiny’s Child to an international icon whose work shapes conversations around Black feminism, cultural history, and artistic innovation.

Through a chronological deep dive, students will examine how Beyoncé’s career reflects larger social, political, and historical movements, particularly within the contexts of Black Southern womanhood, feminism, activism, and the music industry. This course will explore:

∙ Destiny’s Child & Early Stardom – How her Southern roots and girl group era shaped her artistry.
∙ Black Feminism in Beyoncé’s Work – From Flawless to Lemonade, how her music amplifies feminist discourse.
∙ Homecoming & HBCU Culture – The significance of Black collegiate traditions in her storytelling.
∙ Activism & Social Movements – Beyoncé’s impact on Black Lives Matter, #SayHerName, and liberation politics.
∙ Entrepreneurship & Industry Power – How she reshaped the business of music with Parkwood Entertainment.
∙ Renaissance & Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé’s shift into dance, country, and the reclamation of Black musical legacies.
∙ Legacy & The Future – How her influence will shape future generations of artists and cultural narratives.

--- CLASS STRUCTURE ---

This is a flex course, meaning students will engage with pre-recorded lessons at their own pace. Each week, students will receive:
∙ A pre-recorded lecture breaking down Beyoncé’s career phase-by-phase
∙ Music videos, performances, and interviews for analysis
∙ Discussion questions to encourage critical thinking
∙ Optional creative projects

--- TEACHING STYLE ---
This course encourages critical thinking, cultural analysis, and historical context-building through engaging, accessible discussions. The instructor takes a conversational, yet academic approach—breaking down complex topics while making them fun, relevant, and thought-provoking for middle and high school students.

This course will use a combination of lecture-style video lessons, multimedia resources, and student engagement through discussion boards and activities. While there are no live meetings, students will have the opportunity to engage in guided analysis, media critique, and optional creative work.


--- COURSE INTERACTION ---
While this is a flex course, students will have opportunities for interaction through:
💬 Weekly discussion boards to engage with classmates and the instructor
📩 Instructor feedback on assignments and analysis
🎶 Optional projects and creative explorations for deeper engagement

This course is designed for students who are interested in music, media studies, Black history, feminism, and pop culture. Whether you’re a casual Beyoncé fan or a future scholar of pop culture, this course will provide a meaningful exploration of one of the most important artists of our time.