Art in the public realm articulates complex dialogues of power, culture, democracy, and the social fabric in public spaces, often questioning the traditional boundaries of art practice. Contemporary art that concerns itself with public and social issues is research-based and manifests in a multiplicity of forms, and can be initiated by internationally known art stars, activists, community artists, and environmentalists alike. It can be a series of interactions, a laboratory, a party, an object, an exhibition, or an environmental intervention that takes place over decades. Rather than pointing at things, it strives to be the thing, and thus the role of the artist morphs dramatically through the process. As artist Jeremy Deller said, “I don't make things, I make things happen.” This class explores the underlying connections between these varied art forms, and their historical trajectories deriving from not only art history and studio-based practice, but also other forms of cultural production like urbanism, architecture, performance, pedagogy, and the history of protest. On lecture days, students explore artworks from historical, theoretical and social perspectives. On lab days, students participate in project site visits and contextual walking tours of downtown Los Angeles, Watts, Chinatown, and more. Students test out critical frameworks for investigating these complex projects by conducting interviews, studio visits, and attending the events of an artist, art collective, or art space currently operating in Los Angeles. This primary research culminates in a final analysis paper and exhibition proposal. No prerequisites.