Although Plato dismissed painters as unreliable imitators who invariably lead viewers "far from the truth," art has played an important role in the creation and transformation of political belief throughout human history. This class is an interdisciplinary examination of that role, focusing especially, though not exclusively, on the problem of how the visual arts advance and hinder the pursuit of justice. Although the relevant visual materials span diverse periods, areas, media, and cultural traditions, we will pay special attention to recent and contemporary American art, particularly to public art and self-consciously political works that seek to contest prevailing institutions, norms, and social structures. The course, then, will offer an in-depth introduction to certain aspects of contemporary art practice, but the point of our examination is to pursue broader and more fundamental questions about art, politics, and the relationship between them. Here are some of the most important that we will consider: How does one "read" an image and determine how it "works"? How do individuals and organizations use imagery to mold and mobilize opinion? How does the specific kind of activity or creation called "art" reflect and/or shape political life? What does it offer those seeking, exercising, or contesting political power? Are such uses of art inherently more manipulative than verbal arguments over policies and political principles? Or does art have important ways of showing us things we might not otherwise see? Can it make our political imaginations more generous? Can it bring us closer to justice? What would claiming this entail? Authors and artists considered may include Arai, Arendt, Danto, Edelman, Fusco, Grand Fury, the Guerrilla Girls, Hall, Kant, Kruger, Lacy, Luna, Piper, Plato, Rockwell, Sontag, Walker, Wodiczko and others. Format: seminar. Requirements: regular short written critical analyses, one long independent project, several hands-on visual projects (e.g., web design, political poster, studio work, etc.) Prerequisites: at least one course in Political Theory, Philosophy, Art History, Art Studio, American Studies, or permission of instructors. Enrollment limit: 19 (expected: 18). In order to count toward the Art major, students must do additional work and have their portfolio reviewed by Art Studio faculty. Satisfies one semester of the Division II requirement.