The Poetry of a New Generation: An Investigation of the Potential Use of Hip-Hop and Modern Spoken Word in the Classroom

AARON L. THOMPSON: The Poetry of a New Generation: An Investigation of the Potential Use of Hip-Hop and Modem Spoken Word in the Classroom (Under the direction of Adam Gussow) This work will explore the connections between African American Literature and hip-hop culture. It will examine hip-hop music and modem spoken word performance as the newest forms of African American literature. Meanwhile, this thesis will emphasize issues such as the controversy surrounding the possibility of accepting hip-hop and urban spoken word performance as valuable forms of literature. Chapter One will delve into the origins of both hip-hop music and modem spoken word performance, examining the necessity of the African American community to develop and adapt such art forms into methods of escape and enlightenment to a larger society. Chapter Two will examine the specific works of some noteworthy hip-hop and spoken word artists. It will focus on the major themes and poetic techniques used by these artists, highlighting their ability to use effectively such mechanisms. Chapter Three will place hip-hop and modem spoken word performance in the classroom, ascertaining the benefits and consequences of adding them to the curriculum. As a whole, this thesis will investigate the background, quality, and potential use of hip-hop and spoken word as forms of poetry. Through discussion of the positive and negative characteristics, it will promote the use of these art forms in the classroom