Although controversial art is not a topic exclusive to the 20th and 21st centuries, the distribution of information regarding controversial art has increased with the proliferation of media. Choose an example of a controversial work of art from the 20th or 21st centuries from any discipline of the humanities (music, literature, sculpture, film, television, etc.). Then, address the following:Identify the work and the medium.Based on your example, to what extent does this work of controversial art make a social contribution?What aesthetic value does the work have? How does it reflect the human condition? How does it relate to your life?Has this work ever been censored? If so, explain the circumstances.Are governments ever justified in censoring art? Why or why not?Examine some of the influences of this work of art.Argue whether or not this work should be considered art. Explain why using terms learned in this course.Include an accompanying statement from the artist(s) and a statement from a critic to support your points.

Instructions Pick one (1) of the following topics. Then, address the corresponding questions/prompts for your selected topic. Use at least one (1) documented example of the corresponding primary source in your writing.Option 1: Big Business (Monopolies) and Exploitation of WorkersView the following resource: Link (video): The Progressive Era (Links to an external site.) (27:30) Browse and read one (1) of the following: Link (library article): The Triangle Disaster: How a Fire a Century ago at a New York Clothing Factory Changed U.S. Labor Laws (Links to an external site.) Link (library article): The Pullman Strike (Links to an external site.) Then, address the following: Explain if big business leaders were "captains of industry," "shrewd businessmen," or "robber barons." Based on one of the resources noted for this option, assess American working conditions and exploitation of workers in the Age of Industry. Analyze the role that government played in reforming American working conditions. Explain the benefits of the Federal Government regulations of monopolies. Analyze which progressive presidents attained economic justice and reform for workers. Option 2: Who is A Progressive?Review the following site: Link (website): Presidential Election of 1912: A Resource Guide (Links to an external site.) Then, address the following: According to Roosevelt, what are the characteristics of a progressive? Explain and give examples of the characteristics of "anti-progressives." Trace what types of activities "anti-progressives" engaged in? Analyze the goals of progressivism. Explain what areas of society progressives addressed? Analyze the progressive achievements Roosevelt highlights in his speech? Option 3: World War IReview the following resources: Link (video): A War to End All Wars: Part 2 (Links to an external site.) (6:56) Link (library article): The Treaty of Versailles and the Rise of Nazism (Links to an external site.) Then, address the following: Trace the origins of World War I, and assess if the world war was inevitable in 1914? Explain if it was possible for the United States to maintain neutrality in World War I. If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not. Analyze if the United States should have entered World War I to make the world safe for democracy. Analyze if the Treaty of Versailles was a fair and effective settlement for lasting world peace. Explain if the United States Senate should have approved of the Treaty of Versailles. Writing Requirements (APA format) Length: 3-4 pages (not including title page or references page) 1-inch margins Double spaced 12-point Times New Roman font Title page References page In-text citations that correspond with your end references