Congratulations on the Grammy, Beyoncé!
Once again, Beyoncé has solidified her reign as the most-awarded artist in Grammy history. Her impact extends beyond music—she is a cultural force shaping conversations around race, gender, and artistic innovation. But what does it mean to study Beyoncé academically? And how does my online course, Beyoncé in Culture (est. 2016), compare to Yale’s Beyoncé & Black Feminism? Let’s break it down.
A Tale of Two Courses
Yale’s course, taught by Professor Daphne Brooks, focuses on Beyoncé, black feminist politics, black liberation politics and philosophies as a deep dive into feminist theory, race, and activism. The curriculum likely draws from black feminist scholars like Audre Lorde and bell hooks, while analysing Lemonade (2016) as a cultural text. This course is deeply rooted in historical perspectives of black womanhood and resistance (and I wish I could take it).
In contrast, my course, Beyoncé in Culture, originally written in 2016 and revised and expanded this year, was and is designed for a broader audience—students, educators, and independent learners eager to explore Beyoncé’s impact through an interactive, structured approach. I cover everything from her early career to her latest work (Renaissance and Cowboy Carter), examining topics like:
- Beyoncé & the Historical Black Female: How has media represented black women over time?
- Beyoncé, Bootylicious & Baartman: The politics of the black female body.
- Freedom & the BET Awards: Music as a form of protest.
- Renaissance & Queer Celebration: The house music movement and black joy.
- Cowboy Carter & Country Music: Beyoncé’s reclamation of black roots in country music.
So.. Theory vs. Engagement: Which Course Is Right for You?
If you love highly academic discussions and theoretical analysis, Yale’s course is an excellent fit. But if you want a structured, interactive experience that includes worksheets, video analysis, and creative projects, Beyoncé in Culture is the perfect choice. My course isn’t just about reading texts; it’s about making connections, creating discussions, and actively engaging with Beyoncé’s artistry.
Ready to Dive In?
Beyoncé’s influence isn’t slowing down, and neither should our conversations about her. If you’re ready to study Beyoncé like never before, then head on over to Online Arts Education, where you can preview a module. Sign up for my online course and get a copy of the Beyoncé in Culture Workbook (2025 Edition), worth $50 today! Let’s celebrate her together.
Certainly, here’s an updated comparison between your course, “Beyoncé in Culture,” and Yale’s upcoming course, “Beyoncé Makes History: Black Radical Tradition History, Culture, Theory & Politics through Music,”including pricing details:
| Feature | My Course: “Beyoncé in Culture” | Yale’s Course: “Beyoncé Makes History” |
|---|---|---|
| Instructor | Elizabeth Amisu | Professor Daphne Brooks |
| Institution | Online Arts Education | Yale University |
| Course Focus | – Comprehensive exploration of Beyoncé’s career from her early days to her latest works, including Renaissance and Cowboy Carter. – Topics include media representation of Black women, politics of the Black female body, music as protest, and Beyoncé’s reclamation of black roots in country music. | – In-depth analysis of Beyoncé’s artistic work from 2013 to 2024. – Emphasis on Black feminist thought, Black liberation politics, and the multifaceted Black female experience in media and politics. |
| Methods | – Structured, interactive approach with worksheets, video analysis, and creative projects. – Designed for a broad audience, including students, educators, and independent learners. | – Academic discussions with readings from scholars like Hortense Spillers and the Combahee River Collective. – Projects include archival research, visual album screenings, and public humanities projects. |
| Course Structure | – Six-lesson online course available for enrollment at any time. | – Semester-long course offered in the Spring 2025 semester. |
| Accessibility | – Accessible to a global audience through online enrollment. | – Available to Yale University students. |
| Price | – approximately $175 (currently offered at a half-price discount). onlineartseducation.co.uk | – Yale’s undergraduate tuition is approximately $67,000 per year. nypost.com |
N.B. Both courses offer unique perspectives on Beyoncé’s cultural impact. My course provides a broad, interactive exploration suitable for a diverse audience, while Yale’s course offers an academic, in-depth analysis within a university setting.