Why did Japanese butoh artists explore being alive and dead and the same time? Whey did the absurdist playwrights argue against hope? Artists have long been the vehicle for sharing with the world injustices and the need for change. Throughout history artists have challenged world leaders, religions and even themselves. In this class we will cover the histories and cultures of Nigeria, Japan, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Europe and America to understand the context in which artists have tried to let the world know about their pain and oppression. We will study how the subjectivity of art is a critical tool to understanding the world around us, as well as, to understanding ourselves. Students in this class will engage in writing, public speaking and the creation of artwork to explore their own perspectives on the material covered.