Rutgers University plans to offer a course on Beyonce, exploring race, gender, and sexuality through the lens of one of America’s hottest entertainers:
Sister 2 Sister Magazine reports that Kevin Allred, a professor and doctoral student at Rutgers University, sees Beyonce, “as something even greater [than just a singer] with her capacity to effect social change.” Allred says, “This isn’t a course about Beyoncé’s political engagement or how many times she performed during President Obama’s inauguration weekend,” but rather about how she promotes feminism and pushes boundaries. He says, “While other artists are simply releasing music, she’s creating a grand narrative around her life, her career, and her persona.”
I must admit I was giving this course a strong side eye when I first read about it, but Beyonce has made many waves in her career, from being an entrepreneur to a consummate performer and a role model. Even if you don’t appreciate her music, you can’t ignore her influence, and her impact (postive or negative) on black women’s understanding of sexuality, beauty, and style.
What do you think? If you could, would you take this course?
Read more at www.Rutgers.edu.
Source: Sister 2 Sister
January 26, 2012 11:46 am
I actually go to Rutgers, so would I take this course? Hell no!!!! She has no soul when she sings, and all she does is copy off of everybody else and get the credit for it! She’s pushed no boundaries, unless you consider being a spokewoman for Black America to bleach their skin in order to pass the brown-paper-bag test (and no I have nothing against light-skin), especially for the young sistaz out here! Then again, it’s not really her fault, but the people she works for. If you want to do a class on anybody, I take a course on Lauryn Hill or even Erykah Badu, if anything (for obvious reasons that they are PURE talent)!
January 26, 2012 11:59 am
Beyonce does not comdone in bleaching her skin.. I think in her music she just display her heritage to her fans! Beyonce is in fact from Louisiana.. And she is creole is a lot of people do not know that! I would def take a course about beyonce.. It’s always good to know about the artist you support!
January 26, 2012 12:01 pm
o_O wth…
January 26, 2012 12:08 pm
oh brother….I’m at Rutgers now. This gets the side eye.
January 26, 2012 12:08 pm
I think Beyonce is a pop icon. Nothing more, nothing less. Her interviews aren’t inspiring, her music is not from the heart. She really has not done anything signifcant but she’s so popular that she gets credit for alot of things. Maybe the city she lives can see a difference she’s made, IDK. She’s not a legend and she’s not an icon. Nobody will be listening to Beyonce songs in 20 years. People are still listening to MJ, Prince, Whitney Houston songs 20 years later. I bring that up because her main career is a singer and she’s just ok at that. What she has done successfully is branded herself and it’s working for her. Fame and fortune is what she wanted, so that’s what she got. But someone that needs to be studied at a University, I would disagree.
January 26, 2012 12:10 pm
I would actually take this class and its sad how people constantly bash her but either way you cant deny her talent or her power & influence she has on people of all races and ages &Can y’all stop believing EVERYTHING y’all read about her its ridiculous if MTO & Star Magazine said the sky is made of cotton candy and Bey is gonna eat it y’all would believe it smh
January 26, 2012 12:11 pm
mi manning, YOU MAD?….moving along, wow this is interesting, and pretty major, shes certainly expanded wayyy beyond the realms of just music. her husband has a course abt himself as well. all jay needs is a fly or any sort of insect named after him to keep up.
January 26, 2012 12:13 pm
“Even if you don’t appreciate her music, you can’t ignore her influence, and her impact (postive or negative) on black women’s understanding of sexuality, beauty, and style.” Truer words were never spoken i absolutely would take this course i’m bummed i couldn’t take the one studying Decoded
January 26, 2012 12:18 pm
DA FUCK? THAT COULD SOUND RE-DIC-CO-LOUS!!! RUTGERS LOVE TO WASTE MONEY! I BEEN THERE BEFORE HONESTLY WHAT CAN YOU POSSIBILITY LEARN FROM THIS COURSE THAT WILL BENEFIT YOUR FUTURE?? -__________-
January 26, 2012 12:19 pm
THAT SOUNDS*
January 26, 2012 12:21 pm
I THINK THE COURSE SHE BE GENERALIZED TOWARDS ALL WOMEN WITH POWER AND INFLUNENCE LIKE OPRAH, HILLARY CLITION AND .ETC NOT JUST ONE PERSON THATS SO RANDOM
January 26, 2012 12:22 pm
WHAT WOULD BE THE POINT
January 26, 2012 12:22 pm
You could learn the difference between possibly and possibility?
January 26, 2012 12:23 pm
hmm, I do like beyonce but I would not spend my hard working tuition dollars on this. i don’t think she’s pushing any boundaries either. Tina Turner, Etta James, Millie Jackson, Josephine Baker…now THEY pushed boundaries (as far as music/performing/making a social difference). i can’t think of one thing beyonce’s done that I’ve never seen before. i’m not throwing shade, whatever she’s doing is working for her.
January 26, 2012 12:23 pm
I believe this class is more about an individual whose greatly affected how women are perceived by her influence in the media, whether it’s her doing, her families doing, her managements doing, or societies doing…this woman, and more importantly, the women in media of this generation have changed society, fashion, social networking, makeup, hair, entrepreneurialism, etc…I think the class is a platform for a larger more broad picture and beyonce is just at the forefront. If I was a student at rutgers and a biology student…no I wouldn’t take it…but if I was a media, journalism, psychology major…it may b very interesting. If you don’t think she has a soul, dont take the class, if u think she can’t sing, don’t take the class…if u are interested in learning about how media and fame can not only affect an individual, but their followers in all aspects of their lives, this may b an interesting class. With that said…marylin Monroe, Diana Ross, Audrey Hepburn…those women changed many things in their time because of their influence, and still have impacts on what we do today…but media, communication, woman’s lib, and the transperancy between a celebrities private life and social life were not what they are today…in my opinion beyonce is no different than these woman as far as her “influence” goes…and I hate that pple hate on her.
January 26, 2012 12:23 pm
Um…mi manning, relax. If you had read the description of the course, they never said that it was about Beyoncé’s talent. It’s about her overall influence in the music industry and beyond.
January 26, 2012 12:25 pm
I wish they would bring this course to Syracuse University! I would be front and center in lecture
January 26, 2012 12:25 pm
i wouldnt take this course not because i don’t like beyonce but because i don’t see just how beyonce is the main figure used in this class. i would think about taking the course if it were based on all women who had these same influences on culture, not just bey, let’s face it, knowing more about Bey isn’t going to help me get my master’s or juris doctorate…ijs
January 26, 2012 12:30 pm
LMAO WHAT KIND OF ONLINE NAME IS DUDE? REALLY NEXT YOUR A LOSER F OFF!
January 26, 2012 12:32 pm
hmmm… i wonder would the course bring a balanced perspective concerning her influence??? i cant say i would take the class and i do think its a waste..but hey someone clearly sees the topic as important and worth 3credits worth of money…
January 26, 2012 12:32 pm
These so-called intellects need to quit worshipping these celebrities and turning them into demi-Gods. This is a waste of a classroom.
January 26, 2012 12:32 pm
I’ve read in the past that Beyonce does not consider herself a “femminist”. Given the description of the course I’m wondering how the two will be juxtaposed (if indeed the initial assumption is true). If I were an undergrad at Rutgers (disclosure did my Grad Degree at the Newark campus) I would be intrigued; and if I could get in, might take the class. However, her “assault” on the world cannot be denied – the woman is a force to be acknowledged, regardless of the quality of the body of work. It continues to resonate, makes one take notice, and be aware of the entity that is Beyonce.
January 26, 2012 12:37 pm
i couldn’t spend my money on that, no.
January 26, 2012 12:38 pm
Mi manning…. Show me the proof you have of beyonce bleaching her skin. Aw ok, stop being a hater. I absolutely LOVE beyonce, she’s extremely talented and she helps uplift not only black women but all women. However, I can’t say that I would spend money on a class about her. If it was more of like a workshop geared towards helping women build self confidence and learning how to become a great career woman then maybe I could see myself attending. But since it isn’t, well…I’ll just leave it at that.
January 26, 2012 12:39 pm
Madonna was once a social barometer for feminism in pop culture, I see no reason why Beyonce cannot be studied in the same light.
January 26, 2012 12:42 pm
How would this class help you after college? Is it worth the Sallie Mae debt?
January 26, 2012 12:52 pm
ummmmm So I know this may offend some folks. However, does Beyonce have Undergraduate Degree??? Yes, I understand you do not have to be equipped with a graduate degree to be successful, “Beyonce” case in point. However, i just find it odd that in an academic setting students would waste their money on some college credits beyonce herself has never signed up for.#IJS It would be better to make an investment into your life such as entrepreneurship class, public speaking,vocal lessons, and so forth, . Students can become licensed or certified with something, other than “Politicizing Beyonce” . This should be a webinar. s/b If you really pay attention to beyonce’s interviews you can sense she herself is some what uneducated. (B-Stans please do not attack, I love B too). Everything is so rehearsed and copied/pasted. Its like listening to a fresh off the boat African trying to speak with an american accent. FORCED! I dont know, but OPRAH is a brand …it should be Politicizing Oprah … now that would make sense.
January 26, 2012 1:09 pm
BAHAHAHA! What an effing joke!
Of all of the AMAZING women, AMAZING BLACK WOMEN in history, they chooses this? (Sorry, I am so appalled I had to go to caps)
What about Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, Sojourner Truth, Toni Morrison, Audre Lorde even the Williams Sisters who made it from humble beginnings to tennis champions…I could go on. These are women that have made a POSITIVE impact on the world and have set wonderful examples for young black women.
When I am teaching my daughter(s) about great black woman they are going to know about the real trailblazers. I am not even going to go into the joke that I think Beyonce is
I can’t see what this class would do for anyone, save your money, time and effort!
January 26, 2012 1:12 pm
This is very sad and disturbing to hear that a college wants to recognize someone who has done nothing for society. Why are they not honoring Oprah. They need to study her life and thought process.
Beyonce is a artist of music but in what way is she influential in a political way? I can agree if she is honored in a school like FIT (Fashion Institute)
January 26, 2012 1:12 pm
FUCKERY!!!!!
January 26, 2012 1:15 pm
@B, how do you say Beyonce is an icon, then turn around and say she isn’t?
I would have taken this course if it were offered while I was in college. It’s one of those ‘easy A’ courses. All colleges have them, don’t attack just because this one is focused on Beyonce’s career. We all needed a gpa booster at one point in life.
January 26, 2012 1:31 pm
I luv how everything Beyonce does is reported on this site….and gets the biggest number of hits…but you’re giving the course a strong side eye…this course is the same as the one offered about Lil Kim…Beyonce and Kim commanded black women to talk about every little thing that’s going on in their life and compare…look at the number of posts here and there will probably be triple the number of posts in the morning…the criticism along makes her relevant…
January 26, 2012 1:34 pm
I go to Rutgers as well and would not take this course. Its in a sense idolizing Beyonce. There were many other black women who embraced feminism and pushed boundaries e.g. Oprah, Tyra Banks, Queen Latifah, and Cicely Tyson to name a few. Why not highlight all these great women instead of just one?
January 26, 2012 1:36 pm
and you can so tell the type of education the people on this board pursued or are pursuing…small minds…
January 26, 2012 1:37 pm
At the University of New Hampshire Professor Reginald Wilburn has done a similar course titled “Dream Girls”. Engaging students in the construction of beauty (particularly with black women), gender roles and so much more!
I think this is the perfect opportunity for academics to be able to critique and have a discourse on Beyonce. Yes she is great but there are a lot of ways in which she perpetuates gender roles, self hate i.e skin bleaching etc…
January 26, 2012 1:43 pm
yaaaaaas Bey!! snatch those scholarly wigs gurl. Dem haters are still mad huh?? lmao!!
January 26, 2012 1:49 pm
I too give this a major side eye. I am neither a Bey lover nor hater, but I don’t see what is the point of this course. She has not effected any real social movement or change that she should be the entire subject of a course. They should have made a course on black women and their representation in media/ popular culture both positive and negative( I have taken a class similar to this and her name often comes up along with other black celebs). How would this course add to your understanding? Is this gonna improve your life? Not really. Be a fan but don’t waste your money. It would serve to learn about social movements , their origins, and differences ( like the difference between feminism vs womanism or Communism vs Nazism,etc.) so you can make your own personal choices and carry on intelligent conversation. I think this hold especially true if you are a person of color. I’m just saying, this don’t really help or hurt Bey, and for those who would like to bring up her bank roll and album sells, I would say this ain’t an economics class so how is this any useful info to help improve your station? I rarely think that any course focused on 1 individual , with the exception of authors with an expansive group of works and political figures,is useful no matter how popular they are ( you don’t need a classon MJ,the Beatles, JayZ, Madonna, etc.); focus on how they fit in the scheme of things. Now a course on music and how it reflects or helped social movements would be interesting, but unfortunately Bey’s music is usually trivial and wouldn’t even be part of the discussion. Stop trying to make people more than what they are!
January 26, 2012 1:57 pm
This is disappointing…
Can someone explain to me how she has effecting social change exactly? Sure she has great writers that make her some very catchy songs but what else?
Where is Oprah’s course? Now that is a woman that can effect social change!
January 26, 2012 1:57 pm
*effected
January 26, 2012 2:09 pm
#CASKET @ lola “scholarly wig hoes” …………. i am in tears
January 26, 2012 2:28 pm
I am a Beyonce fan but I think this is a little ridiculous. I am a Rutgers Alumnae with a background in Biology and Psychology, this class does not seem like it should even belong in such an accredited institution! She has most definitely influenced globally- but so have others. Why didn’t they consider a general class analyzing the influence of the MANY women who continue to influence our gender on so many other levels? I.E. OPRAH!
January 26, 2012 2:34 pm
Ok, for you jerks who can’t do close-readings, I NEVER said Beyonce bleaches her skin, but is the influence for many black girls to want to do so! And then I said it’s NOT REALLY her fault that this is the case, but the people she works for who only puts lighter-skinned women to the forefront, even if their TALENT is mediocre. Now, as far as her being influential or breaking down barriers or whatever the hell this professor is trying to say, I DON’T SEE IT! She looks, acts, dresses, and possibly thinks no different than anybody else! I don’t see her building black schools and universities like Oprah did (and I HATE Oprah), here, in the U.S., I don’t see her building hospitals or mega corporations to employ black college graduates (you know? the people that would be paying to take a course about her). But, I do see her gyrating her hips and always thrusting her vagina in the camera, and rockin’ a cross on one album cover, and then a Baphomet on the other, too! But, hey, they had a course on Lil’ Kim, too. They’ll teach on bogus people like that, but won’t teach you about people who wanted to ressurect the dumb, deaf, and blind black people of the U.S. Hell, next thing you’ll know, they’ll be a course on Nicki Minaj and the class will do a close analysis of “Stupid Hoe”! LOL
January 26, 2012 2:38 pm
Whether you love her or hate her, you can’t deny she is always polarizing.
As far as me taking this…maybe to audit or if I needed an easy A for my gpa. But unless I were majoring in pantless parading…naw, I’m good.
They gave Tupac a course at Berkeley too.
January 26, 2012 3:14 pm
I would be embarrassed to submit my transcripts to a perspective employer with the course a course that said ““Politicizing Beyoncé”. It’s quite said that higher education is restoring to gimmicks to fill classes.
January 26, 2012 3:15 pm
*sad*
January 26, 2012 3:15 pm
You guys are overreacting Bey is not the first celeb to be the subject of a college course & she surely wont be the last Sex & The City, Lady Gaga & more have college courses as well
January 26, 2012 3:16 pm
Have you suckas never heard of electives!? lol
January 26, 2012 3:19 pm
@mi manning you need to get laid or buy a pair of new heels why are you so angry..
January 26, 2012 3:25 pm
I feel u mi manning.ITS A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY!ppl are so sensitive,sheesh!its beside the point but the chicks nose is thinner and skin is lighter than in 2000!She also has no substance!Bottomline
January 26, 2012 3:30 pm
If you want to know how to make that dough, sell yourself (i dont necessarily mean in a bad way) or marketing. Well then this would benefit you. If there is one thing Beyonce is its a saleswoman, a marketing genious. She has learned how to swarm everyones mind with her, without making the majority nauseaus. Every artist especially one with half a decent manager and marketing sense does it. She doing the same. I cant deny i love her songs, yet she is mos def no Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson, Whitney Houston etc. She knows as most marketers that sex sells so she does everything in her power to be a “classy” sex icon. That powered by a powerful husband in the hip hop game. She is doing a good job of making herself a brand. If that is what the class is about, making yourself a brand. How to make sex sell, the “cute, classy, innocent” way well then by all means it might be worth paying for the tuition on that class.
January 26, 2012 3:31 pm
@ mi manning : I agree (not for everything) with you. I think creating a university course on “Beyoncé” is exaggerated. But if, as some have said, as part of a sociology course or a course on the media, why not. But they should re-titled this course: “How capitalism and the record industry creates speudo role models to sell records and make you good consumers”. Beyoncé is NOT A FEMINIST : feminism is not about being half naked on a stage and singing about love. If she was a REAL feminist, she wouldn’t sing only about love, but about how some men treat (some) women, how a black women is discriminated in the world of work and so on. But sorry, she can’t know it, because she never expirimented it : since she was little, she was surrounded by her parents, she became famous at 17, and now she is married with one of the most powerful and successful men in the music industry alive… Are you really talking about feminism ? She has no idea what every day life looks like : she only use the word to touch a certain category of persons (girls) who mostly buy her disc.
January 26, 2012 3:33 pm
Yall are making me upset…Tupac has had classes about him, as well as The Beatles (UCLA), Elvis (U of Iowa), Oprah (U of Ill), Harry effing Potter, Bob Dylan and more…and these are all accredited Universities…none of these people went to college…and one of them is fictional…thats part of what college is for…figuring out what makes people tick…yall are haters…and you need to grow up and understand what the man was trying to do…this was a Gender Studies course and the purpose was to study her influence on society…the class would be valid if it were about her, Kim K (maybe how “celebrity” has become an obsession…and our reaction to it), Amber Rose (why is “groupie” an occupation?), or n e one else WE seem to care about…please grow up FBM readers…shes a black woman whose insanely successful, whether it was her or her teams doing…celebrate that!
January 26, 2012 3:34 pm
We have so many well educated Black women that in their times did what no one else could, because there was still segregation problems.. and made it through proving that nothing is impossible: look at our first lady, went to Princeton then Harvard all on academic scholarships! Oprah who built herself up from nothing… those women inspire me as a college student to keep moving forward; I like some Beyonce songs here and there, but to take a full semester on her is pointless, i just wonder how is the course content spread out, what are the tests on.. anyways its a “no” for me.
January 26, 2012 3:35 pm
@mi manning
The simple fact that most of you can not understand the discrepancies between the meaning and purpose of this class and your own ill-feeling towards Beyoncé is quite humorous.
“I attend Rutgers University”… sure you do. It is surprising that supposedly intelligent people can make such asinine statements.
January 26, 2012 3:53 pm
Beyonce wouldn’t take this class.
January 26, 2012 3:56 pm
@lola I am really trying not to laugh too loud at “snatch them scholarly wigs” once I get out of this office, know that I will be dead, in the grave, cracking up at this in the street.
COMMENT OF THE DAY
January 26, 2012 4:39 pm
Perhaps he should just write a book about it. Tuition aint getting any cheaper, so why [waste] spend money on such an arbitrary subject.
January 26, 2012 4:54 pm
…..no wonder why our education system is failing ….
January 26, 2012 4:54 pm
SMH….I’ll lave it at that.
January 26, 2012 5:27 pm
I’m a proud RU (New Brusnwick, Douglass) Alum and a major Bey fan. But I would only take this class if it would get me one step closer to that cap and gown….
January 26, 2012 6:10 pm
I wish I would spend my money on a class just about Beyonce. There are plenty of women in the industry who did just as much as her and even more. You really have to be a serious stan to waste tuition money on this class, you can read about anything she has done on the internet. This chick doesn’t even have a college degree. Who knows if she graduated college. I’m a fan of hers an all, but this is ridiculous beyond all measures.
January 26, 2012 6:10 pm
I wouldn’t waste yes waste my time or tuition on a Beyonce course. How would I use that information in the future? I guess I could learn the proper usage of bootylicious -__- Sallie Mae is a bad bitch and I cant have her hounding me down over a Beyonce class.
January 26, 2012 6:28 pm
@ DivaFabulosa
What does her educational background has to do with a University deciding to have a course on her. I swear posters on this blog are asinine. Complete utter morons.
The way most of you comment, I’m more than positive you’ll haven’t step foot in any University.
January 26, 2012 6:39 pm
*you have not
January 26, 2012 7:16 pm
@mi manning needs to take a HUGE chill pill ! I like the Idea of Beyonće having a course. Not trying to compare Beyonće to Oprah but they are both powerful and influential black women who are amazing role models! Unlike many of these puppets (celebs) in the industry Beyonće is in control of her career entirely, give her credit for that! I would take this course without question. P.S @Mi Manning that bleaching of the skin you mentioned was completely unnecessary I don’t think Lauryn Hill or Erykah Badu would have said anything like that ;) !
January 26, 2012 7:24 pm
For the people saying it’s not about her music…she’s a singer. That’s what people will think first when they think of Beyonce. That’s like having a class on Obama but the focus is not that he’s the first black president. So she’s recorded songs about girl power and all of a sudden she promotes feminism? I think not. She’s even said herself she’s not a feminist, she just liked being a woman. And what boundaries has she pushed? Beyonce has not made one social change or knocked down one barrier for anyone coming behind her. But as many others have said, she’s not the only celebrity to have a course so why this is even being called out is beyond me.
January 26, 2012 7:45 pm
…and they all will be signing up for the course in droves. Instead of hating on the woman, those of you who have nothing but contempt for the woman might actually learn something about yourselves and what fuels your excessive insecurities when it comes to simply mentioning Beyonce’s name. You can’t rise if you attempt to see another woman fall.
January 26, 2012 8:01 pm
Michelle R, college is also for learning how to use proper grammar and punctuation instead of just ellipses. Not trying to be mean but your reply was a great illustration that there are many courses that would be far more beneficial than a course on Beyonce.
Befree1619, I am with you! I understand bird courses, and I have taken a few myself but this class would be just too obvious.
January 26, 2012 8:01 pm
People, read the Rutgers article. This course is about sparking the conversation of the influence she has had on culture, femininity, sexuality and beyond. The professor mentions the parallels of Beyonce to other artists and historical figure which means the course is much more than just praising Beyonce from a fan-based perspective. I think there is powerful discussion to be had about how her influence has changed views and impacted pop culture in the same way courses have been offered on Jay Z, the Beatles or Michael Jackson to host those same discussions.
Get a life people. It’s not your research. Don’t knock it.
January 26, 2012 8:04 pm
I think his course will go beyond beyonce the artist and achievements and really delve into the effect she has had in society. Love her or hate her you cannot deny that she sparks multiple debates and conversation pieces. Look at any blog and see the shear number of comments on a post about her. There’s no other black artist out right now where you see such talk, negetive or positive. I think the course would be interesting if you study sociology, media studies, etc. Our fascination with celebrities as a society is an interesting phenomenon, deffinitely worth studying.
January 26, 2012 8:28 pm
This class is a political gimmic at the university to garner more students in his class. When will we come off of our egos and be true to ourselves without perverting our intelligence?
p.s. I got an A in an English class just to pretend to be a twisted as my professor for a writing assignment. I never agreed with his opinions but understood what made him tick. Professor, wake up and teach our leaders something that holds true value.
January 26, 2012 9:38 pm
I dont feel like she has given women/me understanding of sexuality, beauty, and style. Im not a fan of hers. I’ve always heard a woman overly concerned about her man in her lyrics. I’m not one of those girls that are like Oh gosh my man, my man, my man….gotta look good for my man.. gotta do this for my man. Thats what i know or get from her as an artist. And i co sign with mi manning. I would not take the class.
January 26, 2012 10:04 pm
As an English Major and Journalism minor it seems like a fun elective course to take, especially to fill up those Gen Ed. requirements.
January 26, 2012 10:30 pm
I don’t know the details of the course or instructor, but I do agree Beyoncé would make a worthwhile muse for “exploring race, gender, and sexuality.” She has a lot of influence, specifically in terms of women’s roles and the perception of black women in society. She’s responsible for popularizing the “independent woman” persona and I’ve enjoyed watching that morph into the well-rounded “I can upgrade you” but I can also “cater to you” b/c you’re my man and you’re worth it.
In terms of the skin bleaching…based on my knowledge, she did not bleach her skin—her sponsors photoshopped her skin to appear lighter (which happens without the talent’s approval all the time, e.g. Jennifer Hudson was pissed when she saw her record label photoshopped her to appear thinner for her album cover).
Throughout her career, Bey reminded and/or enlightened black and non-black folks to look at black women as beautiful, wholesome, respectable, fashionable, sexy, classy, polite, and hard working. I don’t think it’s fair to dismiss the course’s potential validity and discredit her positive influence and contributions to society. (You can read my full response here: http://bit.ly/BeyRutgers.)
January 26, 2012 11:43 pm
I UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPT BUT I THINK THAT IF THEY DO A COURSE LIKE THAT IT SHOULDNT BE JUST REVOLVIN AROUND BEYONCE, THERE ARE OTHER FEMALE ARTISTS, MORE SO THE OLD SCHOOL ARTIST AND FEMALES OUTSIDE OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, LIKE TYRA BANKS, KIMORA LEE, AND OPRAH, THAT REPRESENT BEIN AN ENTREPRENEUR
January 26, 2012 11:59 pm
They should use these monies to fund projects back in my homeland. I would never waste my money on a Beyonce course. She ain’t that deep warranting a study?! In any case, how exactly is that going to benefit students after they are done?! PUUUUUUHLEEEZE.
January 27, 2012 1:28 am
First off, those of you who say she has no soul, go rent her concert dvds, they are incredible. I myself have been to several of her concerts. Not one person is ever sitting down. She sings her heart out, never misses a note, accompanied by a live band and great vocalists, all while dancing her ass off. She is a performing perfectionist and years from now i truly believe she will go down in the history books. When i travel outside of america i hear her music constantly. She has already made a significant impact on the entire world. One cannot deny this. Her energy and presence is undeniable. With that being said, i do not understand why people are getting so nasty. There are and have been so many classes on famous figures, as many have mentioned here. In addition to that, the class is described to not only revolve around her. I do agree though with many that whether i would take this class is questionable (if i attended rutgers). But if i needed an easy A, why not? It just bothers me that people feel the need to bash her so much.
January 27, 2012 7:54 am
Ridiculous! There are far more important modern women who deserve a course entirely about their life’s work. Beyonce’ is, as someone stated above, a pop icon. She’s not particularly stellar in her writing, philanthropic efforts, or in engaging in the world in a unique way. I’m not sure who this doctoral student is, but perhaps he has some more critical thinking to do prior to being granted a Ph.D.
January 27, 2012 8:52 am
Wow! It’s funny how everybody keeps referring to what I said! And @Erin….u better believe I am well educated, and have the most supreme knowledge that I didn’t get from a university either. I have knowledge of self and my people, and if you had that knowledge, you too, would agree, but it goes over your head because you’ve been brainwashed! We don’t need to study Beyonce for her role in society as a black woman. We (if you’re black) could just go ask our mothers and grands, aunties, and cousins for that! Last, I’m not a “hater”! I just hate the fact that you people see her as a “brand”…I see her as a “slave”…sent to confuse the masses about what’s real or not…her husband, too! Now Tupac, he was deserving of a course, if you ask me. Sure, he got a bad rep for some things that’s he done and said, but in the end, he was for the salvation and ressurection of Black people!
January 27, 2012 10:43 am
First off, those of you who say she has no soul, go watch her concert dvds, they are incredible. I myself have been to several of her concerts. Not one person is ever sitting down. She sings her heart out, never misses a note, accompanied by a live band and great vocalists, all while dancing her ass off, not to mention her unique choreography is learned and performed by dancers of all ages around the globe. She is a performing perfectionist and has the stamina of a war horse. Years from now i truly believe she will go down in the history books. She has the blessing of many of the greats such as Etta (RIP). When i travel outside of america i hear her music constantly. She has already made a significant impact on the entire world. I believe that many are not aware of the fact that she has spent time with figures such as Nelson Mandela, and she regularly visits hospitals and does charity work. Not only that, her and her mother have impacted the fashion world with their clothing line. B is involved in a lot more than people give her credit for. One cannot deny this if they do their research. Her energy and presence is undeniable. With that being said, i do not understand why people are getting so nasty. There are and have been so many classes on famous figures, as many have mentioned here. In addition to that, the class is described to not only revolve around her, merely using as a platform for discussion. I do agree though with many that whether i would take this class is questionable (if i attended rutgers). But if i needed an easy A, why not? It just bothers me that people feel the need to bash her so much.
January 27, 2012 11:17 am
WHo the hell! would waste their parent money to learn about Beyonce has impacted Society? What about Michelle Obama if anyone? The only way I’d take this class if it was NOT about Beyonce. I am tired of people praising celebrities. What about chaka khan, Erykah Badu, Diana Ross? Maybe a class dedicated to all black women and how music has changed, and how they impacted society, BUT THIS…is ignorance to the heights.
January 27, 2012 2:29 pm
Beyonce is a force. You will deal.
January 27, 2012 4:23 pm
A waste of credits and money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!