The arts and artists have influenced concepts of love, war, religion, race, ethnicity and gender and helped societies face problems, celebrate accomplishments, mourn losses, beautify environments and drive economies. The course will investigate the intersection of arts and civic life. Through writing research papers, exploring topics including the intrinsic and extrinsic value of the arts, and through analyzing social, economic and political trends, students will learn the role of the arts and artists in historical and contemporary society.