Music is an integral part of Black American culture. In this four week flex course, Mrs. Morgan will teach students about the origins of rap & hip hop, and the cultural significance of artists like Tupac, TLC, Lauryn Hill, Wu-Tang Clan, Queen Latifah, and Missy Elliott. Once students have a clear understanding, they'll gain the tools to write their own raps (or spoken word poems) that speak to their passions, politics or purpose.

Session 1 / My Mic Sounds Nice! [Lesson 1]: Students will receive the foundational history of rap/hip-hop's origin story. We'll listen to 80s and 90s hip-hop songs including 'Keep Your Head Up' by Tupac and 'What About Your Friends?' by TLC.

Session 2 / Girls Run The World [Lesson 2]: This week, our lesson will explore two critical questions: Who are the women in rap/hip-hop? and How have social systems such as race, gender and sexuality impacted their experience and reception?

Session 3 / How To Rap [Lesson 3]: In this meeting, we'll explore how rap/hip-hop songs are created. Through an exploration of poetic rhyme schemes, storytelling formats, and spoken word, students will be equipped to leave the session and write their own rap or spoken word piece.

Session 4 / The State of Rap & Hip-Hop in 2023 [Lesson 4]: During our final session together, we will assess the current "state" of hip-hop by exploring modern day artists such as Mona Leo, Rapsody, and Chance the Rapper.

Weekly content will be posted at noon PST on the weekday corresponding with the first day of the session.