Critical and Theoretical Studies 4

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

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 Advisor and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability.

This subject deals with the most recent developments in art and culture in the twenty-first century. “The death of postmodernism,” declares the catalogue manifesto for the Tate Modern’s exhibition Altermodern, “is the starting point for…the present.” The course takes its orientation from this proposition: the displacement and disparagement of postmodernism over the past decades has provided for an upsurge of new artistic modes and aspirations. These include the participatory forms of relational art, and the return of hand-crafting, of new “object-oriented” and “unmonumental” art; and also the arts that have developed with the technological leaps of information processing, the internet and genetic engineering: bio-art, augmented and virtual reality, digital media aesthetics. The course critically considers how these various artistic practices emblematize our contemporary era.

To provide knowledge and understanding of significant and vital themes in contemporary art and culture from the turn of the twenty-first century to the present; and to do so through a lucid interpretation of specific works of art and of art criticism, in their historical contexts.

1. Tutorial (oral) presentation with written submission (1000 words) (25%)

2. Essay totalling 3000 words (75%)

Hurdle Requirement: 80% attendance at both lectures and tutorials is required for the presentation and written components to be accepted for assessment purposes.

A reader comprising critical and historical texts anthologised by the co-ordinator will be available to purchase.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completing this subject students will be able to demonstrate

• An ability to comprehend and apply methods and objectives of argument, in both verbal presentation and written expression.

• An ability to conduct relevant and coherent research investigation.

• An ability to express critical responses in peer reviewing circumstances and group discussion.