Course Catalog

This course explores the role of art in a democratic society through a combination of individual and collaborative project development, community engagement, and research and reflection on various related topics and concepts. Recently, an increasing number of artists, curators, critics, and arts administrators have begun to turn their energies toward a new type of participatory social practice art that seeks to bring about positive change within a contemporary society confronted by complex issues and challenges on many fronts. To understand our role as citizens in a democracy, we will explore the work of artists who critically, creatively, and reflectively examine ideas and forms of democracy. Through a combination of readings, reflections, and discussions of democratic theory, contemporary art, and art history, as well as a class community engagement component and individual and class collaborative art projects, this course will familiarize students with the theory and practice of democracy through the emerging field of social practice art.