Assistant Professor of Theater Rashida Z. Shaw lives the Wesleyan graduate’s dream. After studying sociology and theater at Wesleyan, she has gone on to do actual work in these disciplines. I could list her resume of academic and theatrical acclamations (they’re endless), but the point is that she has successfully made use of her liberal arts degree—a comfort to us all. Shaw is one of the most accessible and friendly professors at Wesleyan. She’s Facebook friends with at least half of the playwrights you’ll read in her class, and she watches all of your favorite reality TV shows in her spare time. It makes sense that a professor with a constantly skyrocketing cool factor would have an equally cool playlist to match.

“As you will see, it is an eclectic mix of R&B ballads, reggae, dancehall, pop, soul, and blues music from international and American artists,” Shaw said.

Follow the lead of this stellar alum and listen to some of these songs.

The Playlist

Amel Larrieux, “For Real”
Ayo, “I’m Gonna Dance”
Bob Marley, “One Drop”
Buju Banton, “Bogle”
Chaka Khan, “Angel”
Chrisette Michele (featuring 2Chainz), “Charades”
Donny Hathaway, “A Song For You”
Erykah Badu, “Drama”
Etta James, “I’d Rather Go Blind”
Janelle Monáe (featuring Big Boi) “Tightrope”
Lady Saw, “Woman Wi Name”
Ledisi, “Shut Up”
Lil’ Mo (featuring Fabolous), “4 Ever”
Maroon 5, “Moves Like Jagger”
Michael Jackson, “The Lady In My Life”
Miguel, “Adorn”
Mint Condition, “U Send Me Swingin”
Steel Pulse, “Roller Skates”
Stevie Wonder, “All I Do”
Tarrus Riley, “Superman”