Critical and Theoretical Studies 1

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

120 hours.

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

This subject introduces students to the language and methods for critically describing works of art, using examples from the past and present.
This subject includes an embedded program in academic literacy skills of analysis, discussion, essay writing, research and information retrieval.

This subject will enable students to:
• gain a clear, basic knowledge and understanding of certain key historical moments and works of art and their contexts;
• to be familiar with terminology used in the critical understanding of art at a tertiary level;
• to understand methods of study appropriate at a tertiary level.

1. Visual analysis in short essay format (25%). Length: 1000 words. Due in Week 6
2. Tutorial presentation with written submission (25%). Length 1000 words. Due one week after class presentation
3. Essay (50%). Length 2000 words. Due week 13
Hurdle requirements: Students must attend 80% of all scheduled classes and attempt all elements of assessment to be eligible for a pass in this subject.

A reader comprising critical and historical texts anthologised by the co-ordinator.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completing this subject students will be able to:
• comprehend the descriptive and theoretical vocabulary used in contemporary art criticism and art historical studies.
• recognize methods and objectives of argument in art criticism and art history.understand research practices as a result of preparing materials for online discussion and essays;

• present opinions and analysis in classroom discussion;

• argue clearly and logically as a result of the planning and writing of essays;

• utilise effective library research skills, including the development of search strategies to find information from a variety of quality information resources, including online databases, books, journals, internet, and a variety of multimedia-rich resources;

• demonstrate effective time-management skills.