Contemporary Culture: Art in New York

Subject AHIS40013 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 25
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

June, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 60
Total Time Commitment: 120
Prerequisites: Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in art history or Master of Art Curatorship (200 point program).
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: Students who have completed 107-306 Art Abroad are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Subject
Core Participation Requirements: None

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: Students who complete this subject will:
  • 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; and
  • 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 late August), and a 3000 word essay 25% (due in early October). 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: Students who successfully complete this subject will:
  • 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; and
  • 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

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