Issa Rae, the multi-talented actress, writer, and producer, recently shared her thoughts on a unique college course based on her career. The course, titled “The Legal Life of Issa Rae,” is being offered at Georgia State University College of Law. Designed by Professor Mo Ivory, the course provides law students with an in-depth look at the legal and business aspects of Rae’s career.
Georgia State University’s New Course Explores the Legal Life of Issa Rae
“They did a legal life of Issa Rae… It’s all my business,” Rae told TMZ. “If you’re interested in any facet of the entertainment business, the real business, that’s the course.”
The course, launched in fall 2024, gives students the opportunity to analyze Rae’s journey from her early YouTube success to her role as a top Hollywood producer. Ivory, a professor of practice and director of the Center for Entertainment, Sports, and Intellectual Property, shared her enthusiasm for the course.
“Issa Rae has long been at the top of my list of inspiring figures to study,” Ivory said. “Bringing her remarkable career into the classroom is a thrilling opportunity for both my students and me. We’ll explore her journey, delving into her on-camera achievements and the business and legal intricacies that fuel her success.”
In addition to discussing Rae’s contract work, the course covers complex topics related to the entertainment industry, offering students a comprehensive look at the real-world legal issues behind major Hollywood careers. Students also study the role of entertainment lawyers and the intricacies of contracts, thanks to Rae’s openness about her own experiences.
While Rae supports the educational initiative, she clarified she has no plans to teach. “Anything for education, I’m with it,” Rae said, noting, “But teaching isn’t my thing.” Rae mentioned that her mother is the real educator in the family, with a clear sense that teaching is her mother’s “turf.”
Rae is set to visit the class in person later this semester, giving students a chance to hear directly from her. Since 2019, Professor Ivory has led other “Legal Life Of…” courses, exploring the careers of figures like Ludacris and Steve Harvey.