Throughout the course of Beyonce Knowles' illustrious career of achievements the singer has been labeled as one of today's most popular sex symbols, however her latest acknowledgement comes from the likes of a Rutgers University PH.D. student.
As part of the institution's Department of Women's and Gender Studies, doctoral student and lecturer, Kevin Allred currently teaches a course, "Politicizing Beyonce," in which he examines the singer's lyrics and videos in comparison to the writings of Alice Walker and Sojourner Truth.
"This isn't a course about Beyonce's political engagement or how many times she performed during President Obama's inauguration weekend," Allred explained via the school's news site. "She certainly pushes boundaries. While other artists are simply releasing music, she's creating a grand narrative around her life, her career, and her persona."
Allred was inspired to lecture the course following his four semesters as a Women's Studies 101 instructor where he often found his class debating whether or not the Pop star is a role model for today's youth. According to the site, course topics include the extent of Beyonce's control over her own aesthetic, whether her often half-naked body is empowered or stereotypical, and her more racy performances as her alter ego, "Sasha Fierce."
Though the classroom discussions are not solely limited to Knowles' image and music, other notable vocalists such as Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Lady Gaga are also analyzed through their social impact on society.
"It's important to shift students away from simply being consumers of media toward thinking more critically about what they're engaging on a regular basis," Allred added. "When students don't respond to theory or dense readings, it's often easier to see things play out in the world around them."
In addition to the international superstar's career being the focus of a college classroom, her husband, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter is also the topic of a Sociology Course at Georgetown University.
PHOTOS:
Beyonce Photos
2012 BET Awards - Roaming Inside And Backstage(01 of87)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 01: Beyonce attends the 2012 BET Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on July 1, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images For BET) (credit:Getty)
2012 BET Awards - Roaming Inside And Backstage(02 of87)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 01: Beyonce attends the 2012 BET Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on July 1, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images For BET) (credit:Getty)
2012 BET Awards - Show(03 of87)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 01: (L-R) Singer Beyonce and rapper Jay-Z in the audience during the 2012 BET Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on July 1, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images For BET) (credit:Getty)
2012 BET Awards - Show(04 of87)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 01: Singer Beyonce accepts the award for Best Female R&B Artist onstage during the 2012 BET Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on July 1, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images For BET) (credit:Getty)
2012 BET Awards - Show(05 of87)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 01: Singer Beyonce accepts the award for Video Director of the Year onstage during the 2012 BET Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on July 1, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images For BET) (credit:Getty)
2012 BET Awards - Show(06 of87)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 01: Singer Beyonce accepts the award for Video Director of the Year onstage during the 2012 BET Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on July 1, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images For BET) (credit:Getty)
2012 BET Awards - Roaming Inside And Backstage(07 of87)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 01: Singer Beyonce attends the 2012 BET Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on July 1, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images For BET) (credit:Getty)
2012 BET Awards - Roaming Inside And Backstage(08 of87)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 01: (L-R) Singer Beyonce, rappers Jay-Z and Kanye West and television personality Kim Kardashian attend the 2012 BET Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on July 1, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images For BET) (credit:Getty)
Beyonce attends the Costume Institute Be(09 of87)
Beyonce attends the Costume Institute Benefit at The Metropolitan Museum of Art May 7, 2012, celebrating the opening of Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations in New York. AFP PHOTO TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty)
Beyonce attends the Costume Institute Be(10 of87)
Beyonce attends the Costume Institute Benefit at The Metropolitan Museum of Art May 7, 2012, celebrating the opening of Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations in New York. AFP PHOTO TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty)
Beyonce attends the Costume Institute Be(11 of87)
Beyonce attends the Costume Institute Benefit at The Metropolitan Museum of Art May 7, 2012, celebrating the opening of Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations in New York. AFP PHOTO TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty)
New Jersey Nets v New York Knicks(12 of87)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 20: Recording artists Jay-Z and Beyonce watch the New York Knicks play the New Jersey Nets at Madison Square Garden on February 20, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
New Jersey Nets v New York Knicks(13 of87)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 20: Recording artist Beyonce attends the basketball game between the New York Knicks and the New Jersey Nets at Madison Square Garden on February 20, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
New Jersey Nets v New York Knicks(14 of87)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 20: Recording artist Beyonce attends the basketball game between the New York Knicks and the New Jersey Nets at Madison Square Garden on February 20, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
New Jersey Nets v New York Knicks(15 of87)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 20: Recording artist Beyonce signs a ball for a fan at a basketball game between the New York Knicks and the New Jersey Nets at Madison Square Garden on February 20, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Beyonce Hosts A Screening Of "Live At Roseland: The Elements Of 4"(16 of87)
Singer Beyonce speaks during a Q&A session prior to the screening of 'Live at Roseland: The Elements of 4' at the Paris Theatre on November 20, 2011 in New York City. (credit:Getty)
Beyonce Hosts A Screening Of "Live At Roseland: The Elements Of 4"(17 of87)
Singer Beyonce hosts the screening of 'Live at Roseland: The Elements of 4' at the Paris Theatre on November 20, 2011 in New York City. (credit:Getty)
Beyonce Hosts A Screening Of "Live At Roseland: The Elements Of 4"(18 of87)
Singer Beyonce hosts the screening of 'Live at Roseland: The Elements of 4' at the Paris Theatre on November 20, 2011 in New York City. (credit:Getty)
Beyonce Hosts A Screening Of "Live At Roseland: The Elements Of 4"(19 of87)
Singer Beyonce hosts the screening of 'Live at Roseland: The Elements of 4' at the Paris Theatre on November 20, 2011 in New York City. (credit:Getty)
Beyonce Hosts A Screening Of "Live At Roseland: The Elements Of 4"(20 of87)
Singer Beyonce hosts the screening of 'Live at Roseland: The Elements of 4' at the Paris Theatre on November 20, 2011 in New York City. (credit:Getty)
Beyonce Pulse Fragrance Launch(21 of87)
Singer Beyonce Knowles attends the Beyonce Pulse fragrance launch at Macy's Herald Square on September 22, 2011 in New York City. (credit:Getty)
Beyonce Pulse Fragrance Launch(22 of87)
Singer Beyonce Knowles attends the Beyonce Pulse fragrance launch at Macy's Herald Square on September 22, 2011 in New York City. (credit:Getty)
Beyonce Pulse Fragrance Launch(23 of87)
Singer Beyonce Knowles attends the Beyonce Pulse fragrance launch at Macy's Herald Square on September 22, 2011 in New York City. (credit:Getty)
Beyonce Pulse Fragrance Launch(24 of87)
Singer Beyonce Knowles attends the Beyonce Pulse fragrance launch at Macy's Herald Square on September 22, 2011 in New York City. (credit:Getty)
Beyonce Pulse Fragrance Launch(25 of87)
Singer Beyonce Knowles attends the Beyonce Pulse fragrance launch at Macy's Herald Square on September 22, 2011 in New York City. (credit:Getty)
Beyonce Pulse Fragrance Launch(26 of87)
Singer Beyonce Knowles attends the Beyonce Pulse fragrance launch at Macy's Herald Square on September 22, 2011 in New York City. (credit:Getty)
Britain Fashion Week: House of Dereon(27 of87)
From left, U.S designer Tina Knowles and singer Beyonce Knowles, launch their collection House of Dereon, featuring both the Autum-Winter and Summer 2011 collections, in London, during London Fashion week, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011. (AP Photo/Jonathan Short) (credit:AP)
Britain Fashion Week: House of Dereon(28 of87)
Beyonce Knowles launches her collection, House of Dereon, in collaboration with U.S designer Tina Knowles, featuring both the Autum-Winter and Summer 2011 collections during London Fashion week, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011. (AP Photo/Jonathan Short) (credit:AP)
Fashion JCrew Spring 2012(29 of87)
Singers Beyonce, right, and Solonge, left, as they pose for a photograph with JCrew creative director and president Jenna Lyons, at the presentation of the JCrew Spring 2012 collection, modeled during Fashion Week in New York. (AP Photo/JCrew, Kristen Somody Whalen) (credit:AP)
Fashion Rodarte Spring 2012 Celebrities(30 of87)
Singer Beyonce attends the Spring 2012 fashion show from Rodarte during Fashion Week, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011 in New York. (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin) (credit:AP)
Fashion Vera Wang Spring 2012 Celebrities(31 of87)
Singer Beyonce Knowles attends the Vera Wang 2012 Spring collection during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011. (AP Photo/Donald Traill) (credit:AP)
Vera Wang, Spring 2012(32 of87)
Singers Beyonce Knowles, center, and her sister Solange Knowles, seated right, attend the Vera Wang 2012 Spring collection during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011. (AP Photo/Donald Traill) (credit:AP)
US Open(33 of87)
Beyonce Knowles, right, with her husband, Jay-Z, during the men's championship match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Monday, Sept. 12, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) (credit:AP)
US Open Tennis(34 of87)
Beyonce Knowles, right, with Jay-Z during the men's championship match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Monday, Sept. 12, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) (credit:AP)
US Open Tennis(35 of87)
Beyonce Knowles, right, and Jay-Z during the men's championship match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Monday, Sept. 12, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) (credit:AP)
US Open Tennis(36 of87)
Jay-Z , left, and Beyonce Knowles during the men's championship match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Monday, Sept. 12, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) (credit:AP)
US Open Tennis(37 of87)
Jay-Z talks to Beyonce during the men's championship match between Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Rafael Nadal of Spain at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Monday, Sept. 12, 2011. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola) (credit:AP)
US Open Tennis(38 of87)
Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z during the men's championship match between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Monday, Sept. 12, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) (credit:AP)
2011 MTV Video Music Awards Show(39 of87)
Beyonce performs at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday Aug. 28, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) (credit:AP)
2011 MTV Video Music Awards Show(40 of87)
Beyonce performs at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday Aug. 28, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) (credit:AP)
2011 MTV Video Music Awards Show(41 of87)
Beyonce performs at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday Aug. 28, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) (credit:AP)
2011 MTV Video Music Awards Show(42 of87)
Beyonce performs at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday Aug. 28, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) (credit:AP)
2011 MTV Video Music Awards Show(43 of87)
Beyonce performs at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday Aug. 28, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) (credit:AP)
2011 MTV Video Music Awards Show(44 of87)
Beyonce performs at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday Aug. 28, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) (credit:AP)
2011 MTV Video Music Awards Show(45 of87)
Beyonce performs at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday Aug. 28, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) (credit:AP)
2011 MTV Video Music Awards Show(46 of87)
Beyonce, center, performs at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday Aug. 28, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) (credit:AP)
2011 MTV Video Music Awards Show(47 of87)
Beyonce performs at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday Aug. 28, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) (credit:AP)
2011 MTV Video Music Awards Arrivals(48 of87)
Nicki Minaj, left, and Beyonce arrive at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday Aug. 28, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) (credit:AP)
2011 MTV Video Music Awards Arrivals(49 of87)
Beyonce arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday Aug. 28, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) (credit:AP)
2011 MTV Video Music Awards Arrivals(50 of87)
Beyonce arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday Aug. 28, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) (credit:AP)
2011 MTV Video Music Awards Arrivals(51 of87)
Beyonce, right, arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday Aug. 28, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) (credit:AP)
2011 MTV Video Music Awards(52 of87)
Beyonce arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) (credit:AP)
2011 MTV Video Music Awards Arrivals(53 of87)
Beyonce arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday Aug. 28, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) (credit:AP)
2011 MTV Video Music Awards Arrivals(54 of87)
Beyonce arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday Aug. 28, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) (credit:AP)
2011 MTV Video Music Awards Arrivals(55 of87)
Beyonce arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday Aug. 28, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) (credit:AP)
2004 Grammy Awards(56 of87)
Singer Beyonce Knowles arrives at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 8, 2004 with her father and manager Mathew Knowles in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, file) (credit:AP)
Scotland Beyonce(57 of87)
Beyonce, 3rd left, performs at the T in the Park music festival in Kinross, Scotland, Saturday July 9, 2011. (AP Photo / Andrew Milligan, PA) (credit:AP)
Beyonce on GMA(58 of87)
Beyonce performs on ABC’s "Good Morning America" in New York, Friday, July 1, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes) (credit:AP)
Beyonce on GMA(59 of87)
Beyonce performs on ABC’s "Good Morning America" in New York, Friday, July 1, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes) (credit:AP)
Beyonce on GMA(60 of87)
Beyonce performs on ABC’s "Good Morning America" in New York, Friday, July 1, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes) (credit:AP)
Beyonce on GMA(61 of87)
Beyonce performs on ABC’s "Good Morning America" in New York, Friday, July 1, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes) (credit:AP)
Beyonce on GMA(62 of87)
Beyonce performs on ABC’s "Good Morning America" in New York, Friday, July 1, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes) (credit:AP)
Beyonce on GMA(63 of87)
Beyonce performs on ABC’s "Good Morning America" in New York, Friday, July 1, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes) (credit:AP)
Beyonce on GMA(64 of87)
Beyonce performs on ABC’s "Good Morning America" in New York, Friday, July 1, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes) (credit:AP)
Beyonce Knowles at Target(65 of87)
Pop singer Beyonce Knowles makes an appearance at a Target to promote dance with young fans, Thursday, June 30, 2011, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini) (credit:AP)
Beyonce at Target(66 of87)
Pop singer Beyonce Knowles makes an appearance at Target to promote dance with young fans on Thursday, June 30, 2011 in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini) (credit:AP)
Beyonce At Target(67 of87)
Pop singer Beyonce Knowles makes an appearance at Target to promote dance with young fans on Thursday, June 30, 2011 in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini) (credit:AP)
Glastonbury Music Festival(68 of87)
U.S singer Beyonce performs on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury Music Festival, in Glastonbury, England, Sunday, June 26, 2011. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan) (credit:AP)
Glastonbury Music Festival(69 of87)
U.S singer Beyonce performs on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury Music Festival, in Glastonbury, England, Sunday, June 26, 2011. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan) (credit:AP)
Glastonbury Music Festival(70 of87)
U.S singer Beyonce performs on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury Music Festival, in Glastonbury, England, Sunday, June 26, 2011. More than 170,000 ticket-holders are at Worthy Farm for the 41st Glastonbury Music Festival. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan) (credit:AP)
Glastonbury Music Festival(71 of87)
Beyonce performs on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury Music Festival, in Glastonbury, England, Sunday, June 26, 2011. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan) (credit:AP)
Glastonbury Music Festival(72 of87)
Beyonce performs on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury Music Festival, Sunday, June 26, 2011. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan) (credit:AP)
'American Idol' Finale(73 of87)
Beyonce performs with show contestants at the "American Idol" finale in Los Angeles May 25, 2011. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) (credit:AP)
'American Idol' Finale(74 of87)
Beyonce performs at the "American Idol" finale on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) (credit:AP)
'American Idol' Finale(75 of87)
Beyonce performs at the "American Idol" finale on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) (credit:AP)
'American Idol' Finale(76 of87)
Beyonce performs at the "American Idol" finale on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) (credit:AP)
Billboard Music Awards(77 of87)
Singer Beyonce Knowles poses in the press room at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 22, 2011. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg) (credit:AP)
Billboard Music Awards(78 of87)
Singer Beyonce Knowles poses in the press room at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 22, 2011. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg) (credit:AP)
Met Costume Gala(79 of87)
Singer Beyonce Knowles arrives at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute gala, Monday, May 2, 2011 in New York. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer) (credit:AP)
Met Costume Gala(80 of87)
Rapper Jay-Z and his wife Beyonce Knowles arrive at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute gala, Monday, May 2, 2011 in New York. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer) (credit:AP)
Suns Basketball Game(81 of87)
Rapper and a New Jersey Nets' minority owner Jay-Z, and Beyonce Knowles react in the final seconds of regulation play during an NBA basketball game between the Nets and the Phoenix Suns, Monday, Feb. 28, 2011, in Newark, N.J. The Suns won 104-103 in overtime. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (credit:AP)
Lorraine Schwartz 2BHAPPY Jewelry Launch(82 of87)
Singers Beyonce Knowles, left, and Mary J. Blige attend the Lorraine Schwartz '2BHAPPY' jewelry collection launch party at LAVO on Monday, Nov. 22, 2010 in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini) (credit:AP)
Lorraine Schwartz 2BHAPPY Jewelry Launch(83 of87)
Singer Beyonce Knowles attends the Lorraine Schwartz '2BHAPPY' jewelry collection launch party at LAVO on Monday, Nov. 22, 2010 in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini) (credit:AP)
Nets Basketball Game(84 of87)
Jay-Z and Beyonce watch the New Jersey Nets and the Detroit Pistons play during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) (credit:AP)
Today Show(85 of87)
Beyonce Knowles suprise visit during a fashion segment on NBC's "Today" show, in New York, on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2010. (AP Photo/NBC, Peter Kramer) (credit:AP)
Music Video Resurrection(86 of87)
Beyonce during the filming of her music video "Single Ladies (Put A Ring on It)." (AP Photo/Music World Entertainment/Columbia Records, Peter Lindberg) (credit:AP)
(87 of87)
Beyonce attends a news conference to unveil the Beyonce Cosmetology Center at Phoenix House in the Brooklyn Borough of New York, March 5, 2010. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes, file) (credit:AP)
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