Edited by: Anna Grasskamp
eBook ISBN: 9783111331522
Paperback ISBN: 9783111331478

Abstract

Over the last few years, art that is critical and socially engaged has played a significant role in exposing how the globalized economic system has contributed to social inequality, labor exploitation, and the production of over a billion tons of waste each year. Incorporating this approach into art and new media art education is essential for bringing attention to these social and environmental issues, raising awareness, and motivating collective action for changes that can lead us to a more sustainable future.

While recycling and repurposing are often presented as solutions to environmental problems, it is evident that simply teaching these skills is not enough. This chapter explores the act of re-making as an artistic medium and a method for addressing environmental challenges through educational experiences, particularly in the context of Shanghai and global education. The development of a course called Re-Made in China serves as a case study to illustrate how critical-making and community-engaged learning enable students to develop social responsibility and citizenship skills. Moreover, how service-learning is essential for driving students to complete projects that they consider meaningful and, by doing so, adding high value and quality to their learning experience.