This course explores a variety of thematic currents in art worldwide since the 1980s. It examines how artists from different geographic regions and diverse cultural backgrounds respond to contemporary concerns such as cultural identity, social justice, political conflict, ecological degradation, climate change, and social media. By focusing on the thematic currents that both connect and differentiate artworks, people, and places across the globe, this course helps students to make sense of the challenging complexities of the contemporary art world. It is also designed to familiarize build students’ understanding of the key terms, themes, and concepts used in visual analysis and interpretation, as well as improve their verbal reasoning, speaking, and writing abilities. This course can be used to satisfy University Studies requirements.