Uneasy Pieces: Pedagogical Approaches to Sensitive Topics and Controversial Works of Art

In teaching the history of art, there is no shortage of uneasy conversations. As Gerald Silk wrote in his introduction to the 1992 Art Journal issue titled “Uneasy Pieces,” “Tampering with freedom of expression is never benign, and history warns us that mild tampering is often the first symptom of more serious threats to individual rights and liberties.” Written in the wake of the NEA controversies of the Culture Wars, the issue was focused on artistic freedom.

Thirty years later, limitations have been placed on academic freedom with recent institutional and governmental attacks from Minnesota to Florida. In light of these, how should instructors approach sensitive and controversial works of art?

This session, hosted by CAA's Student and Emerging Professionals Committee, seeks papers that examine the pedagogical approaches to difficult topics including, but not limited to: iconoclasm, obscenity, pornography, religion, race, sexuality, politics, violence, and ethics.

Please use the form to submit, or send your proposal title, 250 word abstract, and CV to Noah Randolph (nar@temple.edu) by August 30, 2023.