The Department of Anthropology at the University of Western Ontario invites applications from students interested in completing a research project on anti-racist verbal art as part of their Master's degree in Sociocultural or Linguistic Anthropology. The student would have access to a data base of over 300 videos of verbal art performances (i.e. songs, spoken word poems, comedy skits) posted to TikTok and Youtube in 2020 and 2021, as well as recorded interviews with verbal artists. Transcripts of videos and interviews are included. These works of verbal art address themes of racism, colonialism, allyship and social justice, often in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The student would be encouraged to add to the data set and develop their own analysis, under the supervision of Dr. Karen Pennesi. Potential avenues to explore include, but are not limited to: the role of entertainment in anti-racist efforts; comparing how specific themes are treated in different genres of verbal art; ways the artists construct relationships with imagined online audiences; changes in topics or styles over time. Guidance on discourse analysis of verbal art will be provided as the student will work closely with Dr. Pennesi. We are especially encouraging applicants who have experience creating verbal art, lived experience of racism, or a background in anti-racist activities. Prospective students must be admitted through the normal application process. Late admission to begin in Fall 2023, with a standard funding package, is still possible for qualified students who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Please contact Dr. Karen Pennesi (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for more information.