Psychological research shows that beauty ideals promoted through the media can lead to significant body image dissatisfaction in the population. In NYC, representations of bodies in dance, poetry readings, fine art exhibits, advertisements, and fashion shows are constantly challenging and changing how people think about themselves physically. In this class, students choose from a variety of museums, performances, and other cultural events to attend, and evaluate how the portrayal and use of bodies in these different media and settings enrich or contest the psychological theories discussed in class.