In this course, we will look at controversial works of literature, film, and visual art, considering the relationship between art and society as well as art as a critique of culture. We will ask many questions in this course, including: How have race, class, gender, sexuality, and nationality historically factored in critical reception? Why is art a continual site of cultural contestation? How do aesthetic controversies reflect fundamental beliefs that structure society? 

This course satisfies the History and Literature core curriculum, general education requirement.