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