Liberal Arts Courses

The Artist + Social Practice

Course No. SEM 280-380-480  Credits: 3.0

This course explores a realm of artistic endeavor usually apart from the gallery system and the art market, where the artist applies his/her talents to questions directly related to community, social responsibility, and political activism. While looking critically at recent manifestations in relational and participatory practiceâ€"as well as their historical context and interdependence with other fieldsâ€"students will work within a larger social context, applying their skills to pressing issues (such as ecology, urban decay, poverty, discrimination, violence, and global abuses of the military-industrial complex, to name a few). The pedagogical approach will be to present projects realized by other artists who have worked in these areas, and to contextualize these practices as the result of our current national and international economic, political, and cultural situation(s). Students will research issues that are of greater concern to them individually, and present them to the whole class. This will be followed by in-depth discussion around problem-solving, efficacy of action, and aesthetic materialization. Projects will then be developed and implemented throughout the semester. Fulfills Engaged Practice requirement. 3 credits.