Sixteenth International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities

Abstract

In order to engage a diverse student population in a Houston-area community college, our approach to introductory humanities courses utilizes the intersectionality of sports and hip-hop as the lens through which students explore interdisciplinary aspects of the human condition. Based on the work of Giamatti, who posited that choices in leisure activities express the essence of humanity, we introduce sports and hip-hop as functionally analogous to classic artistic masterpieces in their transformation of personhood–that is the journey of self-discovery that accompanies both the creation and consumption of the work. Although this lens may not appeal to all students, the prevalence of both sports and hip-hop in mainstream culture ensures accessibility, thereby engendering student empowerment. Additionally, our utilization of historically marginalized perspectives from hooks, Rose, Pough, and Boyd promotes an atmosphere of inclusivity within the classroom, one that seeks to prevent the plague of academic privileging that so often alienates certain demographics. This opportunity for making authentic connections cultivates a heightened sense of identity and belonging which, in turn, bolsters student commitment to intellectual exploration. Ultimately, we hope that the rigor of student scholarship facilitated by this lens creates an increased–and sustained–regard for the academic application of the humanities.