Rutgers University in New Brunswick is offering a course inspired by Latin superstar Bad Bunny, giving students a deeper look at Puerto Rican history and culture through his music.

The class launched last fall at Rutgers New Brunswick and is centered on Bad Bunny’s latest album, "Debí Tirar Más Fotos." The album blends traditional Puerto Rican music with themes tied to the island’s social and political challenges.

Professor Dámaris Otero-Torres says students were especially drawn to the history behind the music.

“The students were completely intrigued by the history of Puerto Rico,” Otero-Torres said. “I would say 90% of the songs delve deep, whether it’s Puerto Rican history through music or the island’s colonial roots and current situation.”

The course, Topics in Hispanic Literature and Culture, was created after two students approached Otero-Torres and asked her to design a class that takes a closer look at Bad Bunny's lyrics.

Rutgers student Rosselyn Rugama-Ruiz, majoring in health administration, says the class goes beyond just music.

“It’s not only engaging for students,” Rugama-Ruiz said. “It talks about different historical and political issues that are really important to a lot of people. I don’t think many realize how much history goes into his music.”

Another student, Erin Foley, says the course offers a different approach from traditional Spanish classes.

“He’s making political statements that are important in a Spanish class,” Foley said. “A lot of Spanish classes are more literature-based or focus on basic culture, and this feels different.”

The class is entirely in Spanish, with students examining how songs connect to Puerto Rico’s history, including its colonial status. Otero-Torres says the classroom experience was diverse, bringing together native speakers, heritage speakers and students learning Spanish.

The three-credit course will be offered again next fall, starting with a deeper look at Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance.