Newsroom
Next spring, Yale University will offer a unique class that dives into the artistic and cultural influence of global superstar Beyoncé. The course, called "Beyoncé Makes History: Black Radical Tradition History, Culture, Theory & Politics Through Music," will explore Beyoncé's work from her 2013 album to her latest release, Cowboy Carter.
The class will focus on Beyoncé’s music, performances, and activism, looking at her work through different lenses like black feminism, philosophy, and music history. Students will study how her music connects to issues like black empowerment, politics, and cultural identity. They’ll also examine how Beyoncé’s art has sparked discussions about race, gender, and power in society today.
The course will be taught by Daphne Brooks, a well-known expert in Black studies, who has taught similar courses before at Princeton University. This is the first time she’s focusing entirely on Beyoncé. “Beyoncé is pushing new boundaries with her music, bringing attention to important topics like black liberation and history,” said Brooks. “This class will help us understand how she’s changing the way we think about music and activism.”
Yale’s class is part of a growing trend, with other universities like Rutgers and Cornell offering courses about Beyoncé’s impact on feminism, activism, and pop culture. Courses such as Politicizing Beyoncé and Beyoncé Nation show just how influential she’s become.
As Beyoncé continues to break records and shape global conversations, this class at Yale offers a chance to study how her work has become a key part of modern music, politics, and black identity. Students will get a fresh perspective on how she’s using her platform to challenge cultural norms and drive important discussions.
