Toronto, Dec. 18, 2012 – An innovative new course at York University is using Toronto as an urban laboratory to understand the unique relationship between hip hop culture and Canadian urbanism.

“It’s the first course in Canada to examine a subject in the social sciences through a hip hop lens,” says course creator and instructor Simon Black, a researcher in urban social policy at the City Institute at York University. “We’ll explore hip hop through the city, and the city through hip hop.”

As an upper-level urban studies course in York’s Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, Hip Hop and the City encourages students to delve deep into the world of hip hop culture, from its birth as an urban American movement in the 1970s to its current incarnation as a global urban culture. Students will learn through listening assignments of artists like Gil Scott-Heron and Grandmaster Flash, guest speakers like Toronto hip hop artist Raz Fresco, and field trips including a visit to Yonge-Dundas Square and the Queen West graffiti corridor hosted by Javid, one of Toronto’s best-known graffiti artists.

Now heading into its second term, Black says he hopes the course provides a unique introduction to the study of modern metropolitan life and the social and spatial fabric of cities.

“I hope students will learn to look at the city anew,” says Black. “I want them to see how hip hop has continuously shaped and been shaped by the city.”

York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York’s 11 faculties and 28 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York's community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.

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Media Contact: Robin Heron, Media Relations, York University, 416 736 2100 x22097 / rheron@yorku.ca