RuPaul's Drag Race became a pop culture staple right out the gate after the premiere season debuted on February 2, 2009 on the Logo Channel.
The impact was immediate.
It gave voice to an oppressed demographic and inspired others to embrace themselves no matter who they are, because "If You Can't Love Yourself How In The Hell Are You Gonna Love Somebody Else?"
There's a new course at the New School in Manhattan offering a full-semester spring course called, "RuPaul's Drag Race and Its Impact," according to NY Post.
Class is currently in session after starting last week.
Helmed by drag aficionado and historian Joe E. Jeffrey, the course will explore the reality TV competition's influence on contemporary culture while also delving into drag history.
Jeffrey shared what students could expect from the curriculum.
"You might be surprised at the amount of academic writing that has been published focused on 'RuPaul's Drag Race.'"
"I put this class together not only due to my love of drag performance but also to spark serious critical thought and analysis into something many people would poo-poo as not worthy of such deep concern."
He added that the course will explore "audience demographics, historicizing the show's lineage and scrutinizing such concerns as race, ethnicity, aesthetics and body image as presented in the broadcasts."
"We look to understand how the media phenomenon has shaped the way a wide public view the art form of female impersonation and how the program has changed the profession itself."
Don't expect to attend a series of lectures.
In addition to watching educational documentaries like, The Queen, Paris Is Burning and Wigstock: The Movie, students will be expected to participate in some challenges, including a "final runway creative project."
While there is no confirmation of a cameo from a Drag Race alum, Jeffreys hinted about the possibility of one.
How did he become inspired to start teaching a course on all things drag?
It stemmed from something deeper in addition to his passion for drag performance.
"I put this class together not only due to my love of drag performance but also to spark serious critical thought and analysis into something many people would poo-poo as not worthy of such deep concern."
On Thursday, new competitors were announced for RPDR's 11th season on VH1, in which RuPaul teased, "go WIG or go home."
RuPaul's Drag Race Season 11 Official Promo | Coming Soon
www.youtube.com
The reigning queen, decorated with three Emmys, issued a statement promising:
"Dare I say, this might be the most sickening season of all time."
And look who is back!
Miss Vanjie!
Start your engines, y'all.
It's going to be a fierce ride.
For those of you who are students, this is required viewing material.
