Dr. Carlton Usher, Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies

Carlton Anthony Usher II is an interdisciplinary scholar with more than twenty years of teaching experience in political science, history, business, and cultural studies. He holds a B.S. in Business, an M.A. in History, and a Ph.D. in Comparative Government Systems, and he is trained as both a historian and a political scientist. His pedagogy emphasizes the relationship between culture and politics, particularly the role of popular culture in shaping political meaning and civic discourse.

Dr. Usher’s scholarship centers on political philosophy, civic participation, and cultural analysis. He has produced peer-reviewed work and delivered over seventy-five academic presentations on student citizenship, student success, and democratic engagement.  His recent work incorporates emerging pedagogical approaches, including the use of new literacies such as infographics and data sets to support social science learning and communication. Carlton is currently a faculty member in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Email: cusher@kennesaw.edu 
Website: https://www.drcarltonusher.com/ 

 

MAST Courses Taught:  

  • AMST 7000: American Studies Scholarship 
  • AMST 7200: American Social Movements 
  • AMST 7230: Public History and Culture 
  • AMST 7420: Popular Culture in America 
     

Select Publications:  

  • Drama and Flava: The Prophetic Voice and Style of Hip Hop, Chapter Simon & Schuster/ Powerhouse Books, 2025. 
     
  • Back in the Days REMIX:10 Anniversary Edition, Chapter, Powerhouse Books, 2011.  
     
  • A Rhyme is a Terrible Thing to Waste: Hip Hop in Search of a Political Philosophy, Africa World Press, 2006.