Art museums are powerful and contested institutions. They are also innovative sites of architectural and artistic practice. From the exhibitionary complex of the nineteenth century to the experiential complex of today, this course investigates the art museum from historical and contemporary perspectives, striking a balance between theoretical investigation and case studies of recent exhibitions and museum buildings. Where and why did the concept of the public art museum emerge, and how have its functions changed over time? How do art museums continue to shape our definitions of what art is? How have they responded to recent critiques of the self-described ‘universal’ museum and to claims for the ethical display of ill-gotten artifacts or the restitution of such objects as Greek vases and bronzes looted from Benin? And why is the Euro-American art museum so compelling a model that it has spread around the globe?
To address these and other questions, we will also go behind the scenes. Visits to local museums and discussions with curators are an essential component of the course.

This subject examines the paradoxes of contemporary globalization. Through lectures, discussions and student presentations, we will study the cultural, linguistic, social and political impact of globalization across broad international borders.
We will pay attention to the subtle interplay of history, geography, language and cultural norms that gave rise to specific ways of life. The materials for the course include fiction, nonfiction, audio pieces, maps and visual materials.

This subject examines the paradoxes of contemporary globalization. Through lectures, discussions and student presentations, we will study the cultural, linguistic, social and political impact of globalization across broad international borders.
We will pay attention to the subtle interplay of history, geography, language and cultural norms that gave rise to specific ways of life. The materials for the course include fiction, nonfiction, audio pieces, maps and visual materials.

Knowledge Use protocols outline appropriate use of Indigenous knowledge, culture, objects, and beliefs. Among the many harmful outcomes of colonization in the Canadian context are the exploitation and misappropriation of Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge, culture, and beliefs.

This is part of the Maamwi Hub's Discover Section, where you can find information and resources on Indigenous Peoples’ history, cultures, and perspectives, with a focus on the territory currently referred to as Ontario. Explore the entire Maamwi Hub by visiting the Provider Set linked below.

Welcome to the “Cultural Appropriation” module, where students are guided through a series of readings on how cultural imperialism and appropriation can be defined and what forms they can take, quizzed on those readings, then asked to apply their understanding of content in a series of Application Activities. This module uses Team-Based Learning pedagogy and Sketchnoting. Part of series of modules belonging to the ISU course, "Native People In American Culture."

This lesson uses the question should indigenous names be mascots? to encourage students to consider both sides of a debate. Students are asked to share their opinions after engaging and exploring the topic and reflect on what their classmates have said. 

Courses in the Topics in Social Theory and Practice series feature in-depth considerations of such topics with reflections on their implications for social change.
The topic for Fall 2014 is race and racism. We will consider a variety of arguments for and against the biological and / or social “reality” of race—taking into account purported races other than those defined by the black / white binary and the intersection of race with other social categories. We will then consider a number of accounts of racism, contemporary manifestations of racism, and potential counter-measures.