This course explores the ways various people, especially in the Africana world, have used radical engagements with aesthetics to their political ends. We ask questions like why aesthetics? Are these means of political action effective, for whom, and to what extent? What do such means of political action do that other means of political action cannot, if anything? Examples of those we will study include the highly politically charged aesthetics of Black dandies, the sapeurs, Third World filmmakers, Rastafarians, etc.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 10

Crosslisted Courses: AFR 260

Prerequisites: None.

Distribution Requirements: SBA - Social and Behavioral Analysis

Typical Periods Offered: Summer