Beyond Polemical Practice: A Tribute to Henry Gireoux

Abstract

This chapter addresses the theme of the public sphere, communication and social change in the context of art and design pedagogy. It presents two perspectives adopted as part of a teaching approach that is built on Henry Giroux’s concept of public pedagogy. The first perspective is described as polemical, and serves as a frame to design teaching and learning experiences that elicit resistance and contestation. According to this perspective, course learning outcomes enable students to protest against dominant hierarchies, social arrangements or imposed ideals. Based on research through teaching practice, the chapter discusses a second perspective, which explores the decorative arts for their pedagogic potential in serving as a frame of reference in the art and design curriculum. The case studies described in this chapter provide insights into the broader area of public pedagogy, offering these two perspectives, which could be adopted as part of a learning framework for teachers and practitioners in the field.