Contemporary International Art

Subject 670-367 (2009)

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

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1-hour lecture and a 1.5-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: 2.5 contact hours/week , 6 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Usually 12.5 points of first-year art history.
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: The subject traces the history of international art from 1980 into the 21st century. Through case studies of specific artworks students will be introduced to the theories that informed, shaped or were employed by critics and curators to explain the art of postmodernism, postcoloniality and new media. Students will explore the transition from 1980s postmodern style; the growing awareness of the art of minority groups; the impact of postcolonial art; the shifting ways in which theories of gender, race and sexuality informed artists' work and ideas; the emergence of new media forms; and the impact of globalisation on networks of exhibitions, artists and curators. The subject will focus on a series of case studies to incorporate a wide definition of the visual arts since the 1980s. Students should, on completion of the subject, have an understanding of key issues in art from the 1980s to the present, and be able to locate specific artistic and critical practices within a social, historical and theoretical context.
Objectives:
  • understand key issues in artistic and critical practice in art since 1990;
  • be able to identify and locate artistic and critical practices from the period within their specific social, historical and theoretical contexts;
  • be able to conduct independent research using catalogued sources and bibliographical indexes.
Assessment: Written work of 4000 words comprising a 1000 word take-home examination 25% (due during the semester), a 2000 word research essay 50% (due during the semester) and a 1000 word take-home examination 25% (due during the examination period). A minimum 75% attendance at tutorials is also expected as a hurdle requirement in order to pass the subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted for satisfactory completion of the subject. Assessment submitted late without an approved formal extension will be penalised at 2% per day. Students who fail to submit up to 2-weeks after the final due date without special consideration and a formal extension will receive a fail grade for the piece of assessment.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available.
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

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: Bachelor of Creative Arts students may credit this subject to a Media Arts and Visual Media major at second or third year. Formerly available as 107-210 Art since 1990 and 107-210 International Art after 1980, students who have completed 107-210 Art since 1990 or International Art after 1980 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Art History
Art History Major

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