This unit is a study of 20th century art history, public funding of art, and controversial art. The purpose of this unit is to teach students to question the who, what, when, where, and why of art and how it relates to the world around them. A large part of the unit consists of a survey of 20th century art history. The art history actually begins with the Impressionists, and then goes forward to the latter part of the 20th century. The art history creates background knowledge for students to evaluate and critique art – their own art as well as the work of other artists. As students develop an understanding of art history, then the focus of the unit moves on to issues about using tax dollars (which fund the National Endowment for the Arts which in turn distributes funds to arts organizations throughout the country) to subsidize controversial art. The third part of the unit questions controversial art. The lesson plans incorporate these three segments. The first lesson breaks down the study of art history into 15 minute classroom segments throughout the year. Students will research individual artists and create art pieces based on their research. The second lesson creates classroom debates about public funding. In order for students to thoroughly investigate their topic, they will debate both sides of the issue. The third lesson examines controversial art from the viewpoint of the artist and from the viewpoint of the critic. Students will write a dialogue between the artist and the critic. Again, students will have to look at both sides of the issue. In addition, students will hone their writing skills. The overall result of this unit will be to foster independent thinking from students about art and the world around them.