This course will explore forms of popular culture that integrate the Black experience within the U.S. including the arts, public events, exhibitions, material culture, design, and media, from the 19th to the 21st century. We will do this via readings, presentations, discussions and slides. Using varied cultural forms, we will identify ways in which Black culture has influenced popular culture in America and how American popular culture has influenced the Black experience in positive and negative ways. We will examine the multiple meanings of popular culture using the work of such well-known theorists and philosophers as Raymond Williams, Stuart Hall, bell hooks, and Alain Locke. The aim is for students to use this course to formulate a collection of ideas and resources on this subject using primary and secondary sources. In this course, students will complete a variety of assignments designed to strengthen both their writing and communication skills. These assignments include short writing tasks that focus on key topics and concepts discussed in class, as well as a longer research paper that will allow students to dive deeper into specific subjects. Additionally, students will be asked to present their ideas in class through presentations. Active class participation is also a critical component of the course. Students will be expected to offer insights and contribute ideas during discussions.