Visualizing Women's Work: Using Art Media for Social Justice from Coursera

Discover the historical erasure of women’s work through social justice art

Public art has often ignored the work and legacy of minorities and women, but recently there has been a welcome reappraisal of publicly displayed visual monuments and art media.

This course dives into the artistic process, exploring how art has the power to address issues of social justice and gender equality and answer historic injustices.

Critique art history through the lens of gender

You’ll begin the course by evaluating public monuments in terms of form, content, and context, undertaking a critical analysis of art through a social justice lens.

With a focus on both the local and global picture, you’ll address the historical erasure of women’s work – compensated and uncompensated – learning about the role of gender bias in historical public art.

Examine the creative process and creative research

The course will also give you a foundation in visual literacy and interpretation, as you explore the artistic process and creative practice as a form of research.

You’ll then learn how to develop your own media-based or literary projects that respond to gender bias in public commemoration.

Examine real-world examples of social justice art projects

On the final sections of the course, you’ll identify and interpret existing art-based social justice projects in a variety of media, including site-specific work and web-based initiatives.

Learning alongside world-renowned visual and performance artist Melanie Manos, you’ll come away armed with creative and provocative ways to counter historical erasure in public art.

What's inside

Syllabus

Visual Literacy

This week introduces you to the foundational skills for interpreting visual art. You’ll learn terms and concepts utilized to identify, describe, and classify art. In the process, you’ll gain vocabulary for discussing art disciplines and media, and learn how artists' motivations are key to understanding works of art - a great primer for unpacking the complexities of social justice art.

Art and Social Justice

This week you’ll view art projects that aim to increase the visibility of social justice issues and raise public consciousness, each in a remarkably distinct way. You’ll read about the role of research in art making, view some stretchy materials-based research - and be invited to try some material explorations right where you are! Lastly, you’ll utilize your new art vocabulary to analyze publicly displayed visual markers and monuments that march us into week 3.

Gender Bias

This week you’ll see artists utilizing visuals, actions and interventions to raise awareness of socially and structurally normalized gender bias, including a highly strategic, non-violent guerrilla offensive! You'll also return to historic monuments in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., to evaluate the value systems that these elevated cultural representatives convey, including a tacit but monumental perpetuation of gender bias and see a great hypocrisy unfolding between a Japanese artist arrested for distributing vagina figurines, while huge phallus sculptures are paraded annually at a traditional - and popular - public festival!

Visualizing Women's Work

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Builds a strong foundation for beginners interested in social justice

Develops expertise in responding to gender bias in public commemoration

Teaches students the role of research in art making

Relevant to students interested in social justice and art

Students are expected to have some background knowledge of art and gender

Students should be comfortable with visual analysis and interpretation

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 Visualizing Women's Work: Using Art Media for Social Justice with these activities:

Review the basics of art history

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Review the basics of art history to strengthen your foundation and enhance your appreciation of the course material.

Browse courses on Art History

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Read a textbook or online resource on art history.
Visit a local museum or gallery and observe different works of art.
Take an online course or workshop on art history.

Explore online resources on social justice art

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Explore online resources to gain a deeper understanding of social justice art and its historical and contemporary significance.

Browse courses on Public Art

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Search for online articles, videos, and documentaries on social justice art.
Follow social media accounts of artists and organizations dedicated to social justice art.
Attend virtual exhibitions or online discussions on social justice art.

Complete a practice test

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Complete a practice test to review your understanding of course material and identify areas for improvement.

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Download a practice test from the course website.
Take the practice test under timed conditions.
Review your answers and identify areas where you need additional support.

Three other activities

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Join an online discussion group on social justice art

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Engage with peers and exchange ideas through online discussion groups, fostering a collaborative learning environment and expanding your perspectives on social justice art.

Browse courses on Community Engagement

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Search for online discussion groups or forums dedicated to social justice art.
Join the group and introduce yourself.
Participate in discussions, share your thoughts, and ask questions.

Write a blog post or article on a social justice issue

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Create a blog post or article to apply your knowledge of social justice art to a specific issue or topic, deepening your understanding and empowering you to use art as a tool for advocacy.

Browse courses on Social Justice

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Choose a social justice issue that you are passionate about.
Research and gather information about the issue.
Write a blog post or article that explores the issue and discusses its connection to social justice art.

Volunteer at a local arts organization

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Engage in hands-on experience by volunteering at a local arts organization, contributing to the community and gaining valuable insights into the practical aspects of social justice art.

Browse courses on Community Involvement

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Research and identify local arts organizations that align with your interests.
Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend volunteer training and orientation.

Career center

Learners who complete Visualizing Women's Work: Using Art Media for Social Justice will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Curator

Curators develop, organize and stage art exhibitions, ensuring that they are informative and thought-provoking. The skills and knowledge you develop in this course regarding gender bias and public art will be particularly valuable to you in this role, as you strive to develop exhibitions which challenge the status quo and inspire social change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curator

Art historian

Art Historians research, analyze, and interpret art, and their knowledge is essential for understanding the ways that art can be used to reflect and critique social issues.

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Museum Educator

Museum Educators develop and deliver educational programs and activities that help visitors learn about and appreciate art.

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Gallery Director

Gallery Directors are responsible for the overall operation of an art gallery, including planning exhibitions, managing staff, and fundraising.

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Arts Administrator

Arts Administrators manage the business operations of arts organizations, including budgeting, marketing, and fundraising.

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Art Critic

Art Critics write reviews and articles about art, and their insights can influence public opinion and the way that art is perceived.