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Nato Thompson
and
Pedro Lasch
This course is for activists, artists, and thinkers who wish to better understand and participate in social change. We will focus on the prolific and exciting overlap between socially engaged art and cultural practices generated by recent social movements around the world. Rather than assess the political efficacy of activities like mourning, listening, organizing, dancing, or partying, the lectures examine such cultural activities next to, and within, contemporary art practice.
Read more
This course is for activists, artists, and thinkers who wish to better understand and participate in social change. We will focus on the prolific and exciting overlap between socially engaged art and cultural practices generated by recent social movements around the world. Rather than assess the political efficacy of activities like mourning, listening, organizing, dancing, or partying, the lectures examine such cultural activities next to, and within, contemporary art practice.
Read more
This course is for activists, artists, and thinkers who wish to better understand and participate in social change. We will focus on the prolific and exciting overlap between socially engaged art and cultural practices generated by recent social movements around the world. Rather than assess the political efficacy of activities like mourning, listening, organizing, dancing, or partying, the lectures examine such cultural activities next to, and within, contemporary art practice.
Included in the course are guest presentations by key artists, activists, and scholars, like: Rebecca Gomperts, Chido Govera, Gulf Labor, Hans Haacke, Sharon Hayes, Jolene Rickard, Gregory Sholette, Joshua Wong, and many more. Designed by artist and Duke professor, Pedro Lasch and co-taught by Creative Time artistic director, Nato Thompson, the course challenges learners to treat the MOOC itself as a social and artistic form. This happens mostly through the practical components, local project productions, global exchanges, and critical feedback.
While no prior art making or activist experience is required, projects also offer challenging options for advanced learners.
For other course offerings or language versions in this series, just search 'ART of the MOOC' inside the Coursera course catalogue.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/g4c9ps/art
What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction to Activism and Social Movements
This short module includes an overview of the course's structure, working process, global community, and overall guidelines. Make sure to read it right away and refer back to it whenever needed.
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction to Activism and Social Movements
This short module includes an overview of the course's structure, working process, global community, and overall guidelines. Make sure to read it right away and refer back to it whenever needed.
Read more
Activism and Social Movements: Lectures, Guest Presentations, and Quiz
This opening segment is dedicated to the prolific and exciting overlap between socially engaged art and cultural practices generated by recent social movements around the world. Environmentalism, AIDS activism, Queer movements, Zapatismo, immigrant rallies, alter-globalization, the World Social Forum, Occupy, the Hong Kong Umbrella Movement, museum boycotts, and democratic uprisings in the Middle East will be seen in dialogue with cultural producers who participate in these movements or are inspired by them. Rather than assess the political efficacy of such cultural activities, we will examine their place within contemporary art practices. Based on Listening, Organizing, Dancing, or Partying, each student’s contribution will respond to a particular social movement of their choosing.
Activism and Social Movements: Project and Peer Review
The prompt, lecture and guest presentations will provide the foundation and inspiration for students’ own experiments. These student experiments were originally peer reviewed projects in the ART of the MOOC series, but have now been made entirely optional and self-reviewed. If you want to do them, we recommend you chose one of the two options (one is more social, the other more individual) and complete the optional quiz after you are done. Your project submissions and the quiz are not graded, so they will not impact your performance in the course.
Aesthetics, Art History, and Cultural Institutions - Lectures, Guest Presentations, and Quiz
Just as recent social movements have transformed contemporary art and culture, activists have relied on ideas developed in more specialized cultural circles, sometimes without knowing it. Starting with an exploration of the ways in which socially engaged public art has been included and excluded from particular narratives, theories, institutions, and events, we will use this lesson to follow social practices as they question conventional art and art history. As we do so, students will be invited to create projects that directly engage with Cultivating, Farming, Cooking, or Eating—activities that are fundamentally social but traditionally seen to contradict serious artistic production.
Aesthetics, Art History, and Cultural Institutions: Project and Peer Review
Embodied Knowledges - Lectures, Guest Presentations, and Quiz
This lesson will use the notion of ‘embodied knowledges’ to link activism and socially engaged art to performance art, gesture, and ‘writing without words.’ Recognizing that knowledge is inseparable from one’s lived, physical, and social experience, ‘embodied knowledges” challenge the Western paradigms that separate information from matter, reason from affect, mind from the body, the worker from her labor, the individual from the collective. This lesson’s practical components will ask students to actively think ‘from’ their particular site of enunciation and ‘through’ their particular embodied knowledge.
Guest presenters: Mujeres Creando, Regina José Galindo, Mariam Ghani, Sharon Hayes, Chemi Rosado-Seijo
Embodied Knowledge: Project and Peer Reviews
The prompt, lecture and guest presentations will provide a foundation and inspiration for students’ own experiments.The prompt, lecture and guest presentations will provide the foundation and inspiration for students’ own experiments. These student experiments were originally peer reviewed projects in the ART of the MOOC series, but have now been made entirely optional and self-reviewed. If you want to do them, we recommend you chose one of the two options (one is more social, the other more individual) and complete the optional quiz after you are done. Your project submissions and the quiz are not graded, so they will not impact your performance in the course.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Provides a forum to engage with socially engaged art and its impact on recent social movements
Examines diverse cultural activities, including mourning, organizing, dancing, and partying, within social change movements
Taught by renowned experts Nato Thompson and Pedro Lasch, who bring extensive experience in socially engaged art and cultural practices
Features guest presentations from acclaimed artists, activists, and scholars, providing diverse perspectives and insights
Involves practical components, local project productions, and global exchanges, fostering active participation and collaboration
Suitable for activists, artists, and thinkers who seek to deepen their understanding of social change and its cultural expressions
Requires no prior art-making or activist experience, making it accessible to learners with varying backgrounds
Provides challenging project options for advanced learners, allowing for progression and skill enhancement
Save this course
Save ART of the MOOC: Activism and Social Movements to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Interesting course about activism and art
Learners say this course provides a fascinating and informative overview of the relationship between art and activism. They appreciate the guest lectures and engaging discussions. However, some noted that the main lectures could be scattered and difficult to follow, and that the subtitles and notes on the videos were often poorly done. Overall, learners found this course to be inspiring and thought-provoking.
Thought-provoking and inspiring discussions.
"The course was mind-teasing, educative, surprising, interesting, refreshing, unexpected"
"Fantastic overview. I was definitely broadened in my thinking and understanding."
Engaging and insightful guest lectures.
"I particularly enjoyed the guest lecturers."
"Pedro was an insightful and generous interviewer."
Inaccurate or missing subtitles and notes.
"Also the subtitling and notes on the various videos were poorly done, often leaving out the most important words and replacing them with : [foreign]."
"The transcriptions are often inaccurate or missing sections, the audio occasionally bad, and many of the links with a 404 feeling that you've landed somewhere that once was, but no longer is."
Main lectures can be disorganized and hard to follow.
"Some of the main lectures were a bit scattered and difficult to follow."
"Nato Thompson is the WORST. If you can get past him interrupting Pedro Lasch at every opportunity he gets, you'll be able to survive the course."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in ART of the MOOC: Activism and Social Movements with these
activities:
Read 'Art and Social Change' by Nato Thompson
Show steps
Gain insights from an expert in the field of socially engaged art and cultural practices.
Show steps
-
Read the book and take notes on the key concepts.
-
Write a summary of the book, highlighting the main arguments and insights.
-
Identify ways in which the ideas from the book can be applied to your own work.
Read 'The Art of Activism' by L.M. Bogad
Show steps
Learn from an activist and artist about the power of art to mobilize change.
Show steps
-
Read the book and take notes on the key concepts.
-
Write a summary of the book, highlighting the main arguments and insights.
-
Identify ways in which the ideas from the book can be applied to your own work.
Learn about contemporary art and its role in social change
Show steps
Gain knowledge about the latest trends in contemporary art and its impact on social issues.
Browse courses on
Contemporary Art
Show steps
-
Watch online tutorials on contemporary art and its history.
-
Visit local art galleries and museums to see contemporary art exhibitions.
-
Read articles and books about contemporary art and its role in society.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Think through a complex social issue
Show steps
Develop a deeper understanding of current events by thinking critically about the forces that shape them.
Browse courses on
Social Movements
Show steps
-
Identify a social issue that you are interested in.
-
Research the issue from multiple perspectives.
-
Develop a list of arguments for and against different solutions to the issue.
-
Write a paper or give a presentation on your research.
Attend an art exhibition or social activism event
Show steps
Connect with other artists, activists, and community members who are working for social change.
Browse courses on
Social Activism
Show steps
-
Find an art exhibition or social activism event that aligns with your interests.
-
Attend the event and engage with other attendees.
-
Exchange ideas and learn about the work that others are doing.
Develop a social activism plan
Show steps
Put your understanding of social movements and activism into practice by developing a plan for social change.
Browse courses on
Activism
Show steps
-
Identify a specific social issue that you are passionate about.
-
Research the issue and develop a deep understanding of its causes and effects.
-
Develop a plan for how to address the issue, including specific goals, strategies, and tactics.
-
Write a proposal for your plan and share it with others for feedback.
-
Implement your plan and track its progress.
Volunteer for a social activism organization
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience and contribute to social change through volunteering.
Browse courses on
Social Activism
Show steps
-
Research social activism organizations in your area.
-
Identify an organization that aligns with your interests and values.
-
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Commit to a regular volunteer schedule.
-
Participate in volunteer activities and support the organization's mission.
Develop a social art project
Show steps
Engage with your community and create a meaningful social impact through art.
Browse courses on
Community Engagement
Show steps
-
Identify a social issue that you are passionate about.
-
Develop a concept for a social art project that addresses the issue.
-
Create a plan for the project, including a budget and timeline.
-
Implement the project and document your progress.
-
Share the results of your project with others and evaluate its impact.
Read 'Art and Social Change' by Nato Thompson
Show steps
Gain insights from an expert in the field of socially engaged art and cultural practices.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book and take notes on the key concepts.
- Write a summary of the book, highlighting the main arguments and insights.
- Identify ways in which the ideas from the book can be applied to your own work.
Read 'The Art of Activism' by L.M. Bogad
Show steps
Learn from an activist and artist about the power of art to mobilize change.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book and take notes on the key concepts.
- Write a summary of the book, highlighting the main arguments and insights.
- Identify ways in which the ideas from the book can be applied to your own work.
Learn about contemporary art and its role in social change
Show steps
Gain knowledge about the latest trends in contemporary art and its impact on social issues.
Browse courses on
Contemporary Art
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Watch online tutorials on contemporary art and its history.
- Visit local art galleries and museums to see contemporary art exhibitions.
- Read articles and books about contemporary art and its role in society.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Think through a complex social issue
Show steps
Develop a deeper understanding of current events by thinking critically about the forces that shape them.
Browse courses on
Social Movements
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a social issue that you are interested in.
- Research the issue from multiple perspectives.
- Develop a list of arguments for and against different solutions to the issue.
- Write a paper or give a presentation on your research.
Attend an art exhibition or social activism event
Show steps
Connect with other artists, activists, and community members who are working for social change.
Browse courses on
Social Activism
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an art exhibition or social activism event that aligns with your interests.
- Attend the event and engage with other attendees.
- Exchange ideas and learn about the work that others are doing.
Develop a social activism plan
Show steps
Put your understanding of social movements and activism into practice by developing a plan for social change.
Browse courses on
Activism
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific social issue that you are passionate about.
- Research the issue and develop a deep understanding of its causes and effects.
- Develop a plan for how to address the issue, including specific goals, strategies, and tactics.
- Write a proposal for your plan and share it with others for feedback.
- Implement your plan and track its progress.
Volunteer for a social activism organization
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience and contribute to social change through volunteering.
Browse courses on
Social Activism
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research social activism organizations in your area.
- Identify an organization that aligns with your interests and values.
- Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Commit to a regular volunteer schedule.
- Participate in volunteer activities and support the organization's mission.
Develop a social art project
Show steps
Engage with your community and create a meaningful social impact through art.
Browse courses on
Community Engagement
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a social issue that you are passionate about.
- Develop a concept for a social art project that addresses the issue.
- Create a plan for the project, including a budget and timeline.
- Implement the project and document your progress.
- Share the results of your project with others and evaluate its impact.
Career center
Learners who complete ART of the MOOC: Activism and Social Movements will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Activist
Activist
Activists work to promote social or political change. They may organize protests, lobby elected officials, or raise awareness about important issues. The ART of the MOOC: Activism and Social Movements course can help Activists to develop the skills and knowledge they need to be effective in their work. The course provides an overview of the history and theory of social movements, as well as practical advice on how to organize and mobilize people.
Community Organizer
Community Organizer
Community Organizers work to build relationships between people and organizations in order to create positive change in their communities. They may work on issues such as affordable housing, environmental justice, or education reform. The ART of the MOOC: Activism and Social Movements course can help Community Organizers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to be effective in their work. The course provides an overview of the history and theory of social movements, as well as practical advice on how to organize and mobilize people.
Organizer
Organizer
Organizers plan and coordinate events, such as conferences, rallies, and workshops. They may also work with volunteers and other staff members to ensure that events run smoothly. The ART of the MOOC: Activism and Social Movements course may be useful to Organizers because it provides an overview of the history and theory of social movements. This knowledge can help Organizers to understand the motivations and goals of activists, and to plan and coordinate events that are effective and impactful.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers help people to address challenges such as poverty, homelessness, and mental illness. They may also provide counseling and support to individuals and families. The ART of the MOOC: Activism and Social Movements course may be useful to Social Workers because it provides an overview of the history and theory of social movements. This knowledge can help Social Workers to understand the motivations and goals of activists, and to develop programs and services that are responsive to the needs of the community.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of nonprofit organizations. They may also develop and implement programs, raise funds, and manage staff. The ART of the MOOC: Activism and Social Movements course may be useful to Nonprofit Managers because it provides an overview of the history and theory of social movements. This knowledge can help Nonprofit Managers to understand the motivations and goals of activists, and to manage their organizations effectively.
Researcher
Researcher
Researchers conduct research on a variety of topics, including social movements, public policy, and environmental issues. They may also write reports and make recommendations to policymakers. The ART of the MOOC: Activism and Social Movements course may be useful to Researchers because it provides an overview of the history and theory of social movements. This knowledge can help Researchers to understand the motivations and goals of activists, and to conduct research that is relevant to the needs of the community.
Program Manager
Program Manager
Program Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of programs. They may also develop and implement programs, raise funds, and manage staff. The ART of the MOOC: Activism and Social Movements course may be useful to Program Managers because it provides an overview of the history and theory of social movements. This knowledge can help Program Managers to understand the motivations and goals of activists, and to manage their programs effectively.
Art Curator
Art Curator
An Art Curator is responsible for planning and managing art exhibitions. They may also conduct research on art history and provide educational programs to the public. The ART of the MOOC: Activism and Social Movements course may be useful to Art Curators because it provides an overview of the history and theory of social movements. This knowledge can help Art Curators to develop exhibitions that are relevant to contemporary social issues.
Educator
Educator
Educators teach students about a variety of subjects, including history, science, and math. They may work in schools, colleges, or universities. The ART of the MOOC: Activism and Social Movements course may be useful to Educators because it provides an overview of the history and theory of social movements. This knowledge can help Educators to teach their students about the role of social movements in shaping society.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They may also write reports and make recommendations to policymakers. The ART of the MOOC: Activism and Social Movements course may be useful to Policy Analysts because it provides an overview of the history and theory of social movements. This knowledge can help Policy Analysts to understand the motivations and goals of activists, and to develop policies that are responsive to the needs of the community.
Museum curator
Museum curator
Museum Curators plan and manage exhibitions for museums. They may also conduct research on museum collections and provide educational programs to the public. The ART of the MOOC: Activism and Social Movements course may be useful to Museum Curators because it provides an overview of the history and theory of social movements. This knowledge can help Museum Curators to develop exhibitions that are relevant to contemporary social issues.
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialists manage the public image of organizations and individuals. They may also write press releases, organize events, and develop social media campaigns. The ART of the MOOC: Activism and Social Movements course may be useful to Public Relations Specialists because it provides an overview of the history and theory of social movements. This knowledge can help Public Relations Specialists to understand the motivations and goals of activists, and to develop public relations campaigns that are effective and impactful.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers represent clients in court and advise them on legal matters. They may specialize in a particular area of law, such as criminal law, civil law, or family law. The ART of the MOOC: Activism and Social Movements course may be useful to Lawyers because it provides an overview of the history and theory of social movements. This knowledge can help Lawyers to understand the legal issues that activists face, and to represent their clients effectively.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists report on current events and issues for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They may also conduct interviews and write feature articles. The ART of the MOOC: Activism and Social Movements course may be useful to Journalists because it provides an overview of the history and theory of social movements. This knowledge can help Journalists to understand the motivations and goals of activists, and to report on social movements in a fair and accurate way.
Politician
Politician
Politicians hold elected office and make decisions about public policy. They may also work with constituents to address their concerns. The ART of the MOOC: Activism and Social Movements course may be useful to Politicians because it provides an overview of the history and theory of social movements. This knowledge can help Politicians to understand the motivations and goals of activists, and to develop policies that are responsive to the needs of the community.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/g4c9ps/art
Reading list
We've selected ten books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
ART of the MOOC: Activism and Social Movements.
Classic work of social theory that explores the ways in which people negotiate and resist power in everyday life. It would be a useful resource for students who are interested in understanding the social and political dimensions of artistic practices.
Seminal work of social criticism that examines the ways in which the rise of individualism and consumerism has led to a decline in social solidarity and civic engagement. It would be a valuable resource for students who are interested in understanding the social and political context of contemporary art and activism.
Practical guide to organizing and carrying out effective social change campaigns. It would be a useful resource for students who are interested in using their art to make a difference in the world.
Save
Classic work on the theory and practice of nonviolent resistance. It would be a valuable resource for students who are interested in learning more about the role of nonviolence in social change.
Collection of essays by members of the activist group Incite! It provides a critical analysis of the role of funding in social change movements.
Save
Cultural history of the ways in which the counterculture has been co-opted by the mainstream. It would be a valuable resource for students who are interested in understanding the relationship between art and commerce.
Save
Philosophical examination of the nature of art. It would be a useful resource for students who are interested in understanding the theoretical debates surrounding contemporary art.
Save
Collection of essays by the playwright and director Peter Weiss. It explores the relationship between art and politics, and the role of art in resisting oppression.
Speculative exploration of the future of activism. It would be a valuable resource for students who are interested in thinking about new ways to create social change.
Explores how people negotiate and resist power in everyday life. It would be a useful resource for students who are interested in understanding the social and political dimensions of artistic practices.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/g4c9ps/art
Share
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Via
Coursera
Institutions
Duke University
Creative Time
Instructors
Nato Thompson
Pedro Lasch
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
magyar nyelv
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
اُردُو,
فارسی
বাংলা
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
Good to know
Provides a forum to engage with socially engaged art and its impact on recent social movements
Examines diverse cultural activities, including mourning, organizing, dancing, and partying, within social change movements
Taught by renowned experts Nato Thompson and Pedro Lasch, who bring extensive experience in socially engaged art and cultural practices
Features guest presentations from acclaimed artists, activists, and scholars, providing diverse perspectives and insights
Involves practical components, local project productions, and global exchanges, fostering active participation and collaboration
Suitable for activists, artists, and thinkers who seek to deepen their understanding of social change and its cultural expressions
Requires no prior art-making or activist experience, making it accessible to learners with varying backgrounds
Provides challenging project options for advanced learners, allowing for progression and skill enhancement
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