Contemporary Culture: Art in New York

Subject 107-466 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 25.00
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1-month intensive fieldwork program in New York, which includes 60 contact hours comprising twelve 1-hour lectures, twelve 1-hour seminars, two guest lectures and twelve 2-hour site-based lecture/tutorials
Total Time Commitment: Total of 10 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in art history or M.Art. Cur (200 point program).
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Contact

Charles Green

c.green@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject is taught in New York, using the social, economic, geographical and cultural effects of the Manhattan art scene as a case study of contemporary and postmodern culture. Students will be introduced to the key institutional components of the contemporary art scene: museums, galleries, alternative spaces, corporate collections, auction houses, art magazines and studios. These will be analysed using models derived from discourse theory, the institutional model of art, urban sociology, psychogeography, architectural history and subcultural theory. Students will study the display and consumption of art, allowing consideration of recent developments in museology, arts policy, commodity theory and cultural tourism.
Objectives:
  • have an understanding of key issues in artistic and critical practice in contemporary and postmodern culture in New York;
  • have the ability to locate specific artistic and critical practices within a social, historical and theoretical context;
  • have the ability to conduct independent research using catalogued sources and bibliographical indexes, including research on-site in New York.
Assessment: A take home examination equivalent to 2000 words 25% (due during July), a 5000 word written essay 50% (due in August), and a 3000 word essay 25% (due in September). Hurdle requirement: students must attend at least 75% of seminars/tutorials and submit all pieces of assessment in order to pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;
  • be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;
  • be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;
  • be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision;
  • be able to participate in team work through involvement in syndicate groups and group discussions.
Notes: IMPORTANT: This subject will partly be held overseas during the examination period for the previous semester. Students who choose to enrol in this subject and whose assessment is affected should note that enrolment will not constitute grounds for special assessment in subjects in the prior semester. Special entry conditions apply. There is a quota on this subject of 15 students. Itinerary and travel arrangements available from Australians Studying Abroad. Prospective students must register with ASA prior to approval of enrolment: http://www.asatravinfo.com.au. Strict enrolment deadlines apply to subjects taught intensively. The subject dates and HECS/course fee census dates for this subject change each year. Check your enrolment record for the correct census date for this subject.
Related Course(s): Master of Art Curatorship (Coursework and Minor Thesis)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Art History
Art History
Art History

Download PDF version.