Students will learn about the role and power of imagery as well as consider how these can work today since we are inundated with images from all sides, unlike in the past (1800 the early 2000s). We will look at symbols that promote a group, or an idea, or a political party. The rainbow flag, swastika, the peace symbol - all these come from somewhere and have an effect on the viewer. Let's take a deep look and discuss the ins and outs of famous and a few lesser known symbols. 

I was a successful visual artist and filmmaker, a career that I later combined with law school. My focus has been on civil rights, animal rights, and the rights of all those who cannot advocate for themselves, usually due to larger interests. I am also very curious about what makes people tick and why! I love art for many reasons - visual symbols are another way to look at history and mentality of us humans.  I personally have fought against oppression as a filmmaker, lawyer, and activist. My grandparents were in the partisan underground in Poland and fought both the Nazis and the Soviets during World War 2 and beyond. My parents and I defected to Sweden when I was 3. We later moved to the USA. In Chicago, I attended a very progressive high school and later college, both of  which help teach me - along with my own life experience - to look at the world with a critical eye and battle ignorance. It is good to be informed and understand history, even when it's "ugly" like in the case of Hitler or the Soviet Regime, or the legacy of racism in this country. The symbols are an entry way to deeper discussion and awareness.