Work, Social Justice, and Arts

Analysis of how art (in cartoons, poster art, murals, photography, film, visual art, theater, performance, dance, and music) has been influential in popular movements for economic, racial, and social justice by artists, workers’ groups, American labor movement, and other social movements such as civil rights, women’s rights, immigrant rights, and Black Lives Matter. Reflection on different discourses of art-making that have been used in specific historical struggles (1920s, Great Depression of 1930s, 1960s, to present). Examination of what Los Angeles has to offer in terms of art, labor, and social justice movement art-making. Students visit labor, social justice, or arts organization in L.A. that is focused on themes of work, labor, and art.

Exploration of spectrum of art forms (dance, music, sculpture, theater, visual art, film, museum curation) that have been produced and reproduced as reflections of work, labor, and social justice struggles in U.S. P/NP or letter grading.