Beyoncé’s influence is hitting Ivy League heights with a new course at Yale University that dives deep into the life, artistry, and impact of the music icon. Set to launch next spring, the course, Beyoncé Makes History: Black Radical Tradition History, Culture, Theory & Politics Through Music, will allow students to explore Beyoncé’s political and cultural legacy.
From her hit albums like Lemonade and Renaissance to her recent Grammy-nominated country album Cowboy Carter, the class will cover Beyoncé’s transformation into a global powerhouse and cultural icon. Beyond her music, the course will examine how her art intersects with activism, history, and black feminist philosophy, positioning her work within a wider social and political context.
Taught by black studies scholar Daphne Brooks, the course promises to be a thought-provoking journey. Brooks calls Beyoncé’s use of her voice “a portal to think about history and politics,” capturing her profound influence on American culture. In addition to studying her biggest hits, students will analyze Beyoncé’s live performances and the social messages behind her music, art, and activism.
For super fans and cultural scholars alike, this new course offers a unique chance to study one of the most influential artists of our time.
