Welcome to the ‘Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson’

Back to: ‘Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson’ Online Course

Lesson 0: Welcome to The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson

Lesson Objectives:

By the end of this introductory lesson, students will:

Understand the purpose and structure of the course.
Explore the key themes in The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson.
Discuss why Michael Jackson’s work is worthy of academic study.
Identify personal learning goals and expectations for the course.

I. Introduction to the Course

This course is based on Elizabeth Amisu’s The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson: His Music, His Persona, and His Artistic Afterlife (2016).
It explores Jackson’s artistry beyond entertainment, analysing his work through the lens of philosophy, cultural studies, and musicology.
Jackson is viewed as an artist, thinker, and social commentator, not just a pop star.

Key Question:

Why do you think Michael Jackson’s work deserves academic study?

II. Key Themes in The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson

The course will cover the following four major themes:

Michael Jackson as an Artist

His creative process in music, dance, and storytelling.
Innovations in performance and production.
His influences from literature, theatre, film, and mythology.

Jackson as an Icon and Cultural Figure

How he shaped pop culture and global identity.
His impact on fashion, music videos, and celebrity culture.
The media’s role in constructing his image.

Jackson as a Philosopher and Visionary

His themes of love, humanity, and social justice.
His views on race, identity, and transformation.
His deep spirituality, as expressed in his poetry (Dancing the Dream).

The Artistic Afterlife of Michael Jackson

How his work has been reinterpreted since his death.
His continued influence on music, dance, and film.
The ethics of posthumous releases and tributes.

Discussion Question:

Which of these themes interests you the most, and why?

III. Course Expectations

1. How We Will Approach Michael Jackson’s Work

We will engage with his music, performances, short films, writings, and cultural impact.
Critical thinking is key—we will look at different perspectives, including media narratives and academic studies.
The course is interdisciplinary, touching on musicology, philosophy, film studies, and cultural theory.

2. What You Will Be Doing

Close analysis of songs, lyrics, and performances.
Comparing his work to literature, film, and historical influences.
Group discussions and debates on key issues in Jackson’s life and career.
Research and reflection, applying course concepts to modern media and culture.

Activity:

Share one question you hope to answer by the end of the course.

IV. Why Michael Jackson?

Jackson is often seen only as an entertainer, but his work carries deep social and artistic significance.
His influence spans decades, genres, and cultures.
He was a storyteller, activist, philosopher, and innovator, making his work rich for academic exploration.

Final Discussion:

What are your first impressions of Michael Jackson’s artistic and cultural legacy?

V. Conclusion: The Journey Begins

Over the next lessons, we will critically explore Jackson’s work and legacy, uncovering layers of meaning in his music, dance, and philosophy.
We will challenge preconceived ideas and discover new perspectives on Jackson’s artistry.
Michael Jackson is not just history—he is a continuing cultural force.

Next Lesson: Lesson 1 – Introduction: Reading, Writing, and Rewriting Michael Jackson

What role do the media, fans, and scholars play in shaping his legacy?

How has Jackson’s narrative been constructed and reconstructed over time?

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