Race, Media, Celebrity

Undergraduate

How is fame understood through racial difference? This course explores the dynamic terrain of contemporary celebrity culture as it intersects with race. Looking accross a range of media formats (music, television, and digital media) we will examine the construction of black celebrity from Barack Obama to Beyonce. We will engage with the aesthetics and politics of black celebrity visibility, paying close attention to issues of gender, sexuality, and class. Topics considered include celebrity performance, scandal, and fandom in U.S. public and popular culture.