This course explores the idea of art and creative democracy through a combination of individual and collaborative research, project development, community engagement, and reflection on various related topics and concepts embedded in the course. 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 research the work of artists who critically or creatively examine ideas and forms of democracy. Through a combination of readings, reflections, and research in contemporary art and art history, as well as a class community engagement component, this course will familiarize students with the theory and practice of creative democracy through the emerging field of social practice art and its interdisciplinary, research-based, community-engaged methods.
Advanced Core Curriculum Designation: IS
Grade Basis: Letter Grade
