Become a connoisseur of Los Angeles's rich cultural landscape. Framed by the city's history, sociology, geography and mythologies, this class offers a broad array of experiences through which to consider L.A.'s creative output.

Incorporating both high and low culture, we will visit well-known and little-known landmarks and cultural venues as we explore Los Angeles's visual and performing arts, architecture, design, cuisine, literature and film. In between field trips, guest speakers will come to the classroom to present lectures and discussions on particular topics. As we discover, or re-discover, the art and artifacts of our surrounds, we'll consider the facts and fictions that have come to define our city, comparing and contrasting iconic stereotypes with our experience of the city and its culture.

The class will introduce you to various resources for browsing and selecting from L.A.'s cultural menu and will encourage your critical evaluation and appreciation. We will read reviews by leading critics and we will write reviews that reflect our own experiences, perspectives and reflections. Most of all, we will be inspired by the eclectic mix of people, places and things that make Los Angeles unique.