e-FOCUS Online Seminars - Cultivating Your Creative POV: Exploring Art and Social Justice Through the Work of Beyoncé

Over the past few decades, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, a Black-American singer/songwriter, actress, and fashion icon, has mastered the art of imbuing her point of view (POV) into all aspects of her work and persona. Her influence ranges beyond music, as she has impacted culture and politics through social justice advocacy and philanthropic initiatives. In examining the work of Beyoncé through the lens of critical race and social theory you will explore how identity and life experiences shape your point of view, personal voice, narrative, goals, social and leadership development. You will learn to identify themes of intersectional feminism, social justice, and critical race theory through assigned readings, analyzing music and lyrics, examining videos, and structured group discussions. You will articulate a unique position and vision for utilizing your personal voice. Once you have explored and delineated your personal position of observation, you will examine how to permeate your personal voice into every aspect of learning and growing. This course uses a co-construction framework allowing you to co-create your personal outcomes and objectives in collaboration with instructors and peers. You will receive peer feedback, building collaboration skills, techniques for active listening, and developing social emotional skills.