Art & Crime

Catalog description

This course considers the relationship between art and crime, considering a wide range of relevant cases, including brazen museum heists, forgery, looting, vandalism, and censorship. Students will also be encouraged to consider the role of art for people who are incarcerated. Through readings, class discussion, group projects, field trips, and writing, students will explore the many questions involved, such as, What motivates art crimes? What do these crimes tell us about how the individuals involved think about art? Why are these crimes important? What can we do to prevent them? Why do incarcerated individuals turn to art? What can we learn about art and crime from their works?