Yale to Offer New Course Exploring Beyoncé's Impact on Black Feminism and Activism

Queen Bey makes her way to Yale University as the institution begins to offer a unique course focused on her impact on culture and politics.

With a class title called "Beyoncé Makes History: Black Radical Tradition, Culture, Theory & Politics Through Music," the course will start from her 2013 self-titled album to her recent 'Cowboy Carter' country album release.

According to US News, it will be led by Professor Daphne Brooks and will teach students to learn about influential Black thinkers and activists, such as Toni Morrison. There were also plans to show Beyoncé's live performances to exemplify how art can connect deeply with historical and social issues, specifically analyzing how her work aligns with radical Black traditions.

Music Icons in the Academe

Now, this won't be the first time Ivy League universities study artists in an academic setting. There were also classes on other music icons, like Taylor Swift and Bob Dylan.

Like Swift's impact on the economy and her business profile when it comes to managing her brand and music, Beyoncé also has a unique offer—the ways she addresses the struggles of African Americans in her albums and voiced support for Black activism movements.

Ultimately, the goal was to more than look at how Queen Bey's multimedia projects include Black struggles. Brooks mentioned that it will also aim to invite grassroots activists to participate and blend entertainment with activism to bring the issue more into mainstream media. This includes studying her lyrics, visuals, and other performances that touch on race, gender, and empowerment.

For Yale, this is an opportunity to show students the ways activism can be applied outside rallies, which is through popular music and lyricism as well.

Like all classes on musical icons, the Beyoncé course will also be a one-credit class and will likely last around 8 to 10 weeks.