Imagine a painting so scandalous you’d be imprisoned. Imagine a play so threatening you’d be tortured. Imagine a book so controversial you’d be exiled for life. Imagine a film so revolutionary you’d be killed. Throughout history art has challenged dictators, religion and sexual norms and has been blamed for the destruction of morality and civilization. What are these works of art and what made them so threatening? And did these works of art succeed in bringing about the change so feared? This class will explore controversial art from around the world (Europe, Asia, South America and Africa) and look at the political, sociological, and psychological frameworks specific to each culture. Art forms covered will include theatre, dance, the visual arts, film and literature. (Warning: The material presented may be offensive to some students. This seminar covers extensive sexual violence.)