Date of Award

Fall 12-8-2014

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education

Department

School of Education

First Advisor

Dr. Foram Bhukhanwala

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to add to the existing literature of knowledge and understanding of how a culturally relevant pedagogy such as Hip Hop can serve as an intrinsic motivation to encourage identity, engagement and empowerment among African American and Latino students. Critical Race Theory is utilized as the theoretical lens in this study as it challenges traditional educational practices and beliefs. The overarching question guiding this research is centered on “What is the value of utilizing Hip Hop’s intrinsic quality of storytelling to encourage identity, engagement and empowerment among African American and Latino students in the urban classroom?”

The study population consists of two African American students and three Latino students enrolled in the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program and one African American JAG specialist. Data collection methods will include a student and staff interview, classroom observations and a multimedia artifact. The study findings will communicate the importance of creating a more favorable environment in urban high schools that offers students the opportunity to claim their voices through the art of storytelling to express the effectiveness of using Hip Hop in the classroom to promote identity, engagement and empowerment.

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