First-Year Writing Seminar (101-8-1)

Topic

The Art of Propaganda

Instructors

Adrienn Kacsor

Meeting Info

Allison Residential Comm 1021: Mon, Wed 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

What is "propaganda" and how can we differentiate it from "art"? Do all forms of art with a political message necessarily fall into the category of propaganda? And can abstract art become a tool of political persuasion? Is propaganda merely about political manipulation or would commercial advertisement also count as visual propaganda? From mass-produced World War II posters to TikTok videos of social media influencers, from Soviet propaganda movies to Pablo Picasso's iconic Guernica (1937), this course will put diverse examples of modern and contemporary art and visual culture to the test of propaganda. During this course students will learn and practice visual analysis, applying this critical skill to a broad range of visual media across mass culture and "high" art produced in the 20th and 21st centuries, including painting, posters, photography, film, monuments, architecture, clothing, and social media platforms. The course will include a class visit to the Art Institute, a film screening, as well as a walking tour around Evanston.

Class Materials (Required)

No textbook required.

Class Attributes

WCAS Writing Seminar