Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/public-art-pedagogy
Coursera continues to be a treasure trove for those seeking to expand their knowledge and skills, and the “ART of the MOOC: Public Art and Pedagogy” course is a shining example of this. Designed by the talented artist and Duke professor Pedro Lasch, and co-taught by the insightful Nato Thompson, Creative Time’s artistic director, this course offers a deep dive into the dynamic world of public art and its educational applications.
From the outset, the course promises a unique blend of theoretical exploration and practical application. The syllabus is thoughtfully structured, beginning with an essential introduction to the course itself, setting clear guidelines and outlining the collaborative nature of the learning experience. This initial module is crucial for understanding the journey ahead and is a testament to the course’s organized approach.
The core of the course delves into “Public Art and Spatial Politics.” Here, students are introduced to fundamental definitions and compelling examples of public practice and socially engaged art, with a particular emphasis on how these practices interact with spatial politics. The lectures and guest presentations expertly connect recent developments in public art to broader themes like urbanism, social planning, and the complex relationships between the global and local, the visible and invisible. While the original peer-reviewed projects are now optional and self-assessed, they offer a fantastic opportunity for students to experiment with spatial politics themselves, providing a hands-on way to engage with the material.
Another fascinating module, “Fictions, Alternative Structures, and Mock-Institutions,” explores the collective nature of social art. It examines how artists have utilized or mimicked the forms of institutions like corporations, government offices, and even churches as their artistic medium. This section challenges learners to think creatively about social structures and encourages the invention of fictional interventions or alternative organizational models. Again, the optional projects here provide a valuable outlet for applying these concepts.
Finally, the “Experimental Pedagogy” module addresses the crucial role of education within socially engaged art. Drawing inspiration from influential figures and movements like Freire, Boal, and the feminist art programs of the past, this section investigates how artists have used education to challenge existing systems and hierarchies. It encourages a re-evaluation of one’s relationship with education and offers opportunities for both small-scale socialization and large-scale collaboration. The optional projects in this module allow for further personal exploration and reflection.
Overall, “ART of the MOOC: Public Art and Pedagogy” is an exceptional course for anyone interested in the intersection of art, social engagement, and education. The instructors’ expertise shines through, providing a rich theoretical framework complemented by thought-provoking examples. While the optional projects are no longer graded, they remain a highly recommended way to solidify understanding and foster personal creative development. This course is a must-take for artists, educators, urban planners, and anyone curious about how art can shape and reflect our public spaces and social interactions.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/public-art-pedagogy