This inquiry leads students through an investigation that assesses the extent to which street art benefits communities. In doing so, it provides students with the opportunity to explore the history and tradition of Latinx street murals, the multiple reasons why street art is created, and the various ways that individuals react to street art. Although this compelling question is broad, the inquiry centers on the Latinx tradition and use of street art as community displays. This strategic use of sources is particularly useful in showing the ways that Latinx artists in the United States have used street art in various ways, prompting both praise and criticism from Americans.
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
Does Street Art Make Communities Better?
Staging Question
Participate in a class discussion that explores the “artistic legitimacy” of a series of street art images.
1
Supporting QuestionWhat is the history and tradition of street art in Latinx communities?
Formative TasksWrite a paragraph describing the history and tradition of street art in Latinx communities.
SourcesSource A: “Mexican Muralism”
Source B: “Rufino Tamayo, a Leader in Mexican Art, Dies at 91.”
Source C: “Los Tres Grandes/Vida Americana: Mexican Muralists Remake American Art”
2
Supporting QuestionWhy is street art created?
Formative TasksCreate a detailed list of reasons why street art is created.
SourcesSource A: “Graffiti: Art or vandalism”?
Source B: “Latino Muralist Man One’s List of 8 Graffiti Artists to Follow”
3
Supporting QuestionHow do people react to street art?
Formative TasksCreate an evidence-based claim and counterclaim that answers the supporting question.
SourcesSource A: “City of Chicago Graffiti Removal Program”
Source B: “The Literal Whitewashing of Chicago’s Latino Murals”
Source C: “Could Chicago Become the ‘US Capital of Street Art’”?
Summative Performance Task
Argument: Does street art make communities better? Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay) that answers the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from sources while acknowledging competing views.
Extension: Research a prominent street artist and create an art review (e.g., written, blog, podcast) of one of their recent works.
Taking Informed Action
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