Critical Issues in Contemporary Art B

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 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 provides students with a critical encounter with current, contemporary art practice and theory, and speculates on the directions contemporary art may be taking. The course focuses on cultural developments that have been significant since postmodernism by examining prominent exhibitions and critical publications throughout this period. The course addresses and evaluates innovative as well as retroactive or revisionary artistic practices and theories that each characterises what has increasingly become collectively dubbed “the contemporary”.

Building on the skills acquired in the previous semester, students should be able to critically comprehend and discuss, in a lucid and persuasive manner, their responses to and interpretation of contemporary works of art and theory.

1. Written review-mode of textual analysis (2000 words), due week 6, (40%)

2. 3000 words essay, due assessment period, (60%)

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

A class reader will be available for purchase.

Further recommended reading as per the class reader.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

At the completion of the subject students should be able to:

• demonstrate capacities for artistic imagination, creativity, transformation and interpretation;

• demonstrate practical skills in respect of critical analysis, problem solving, report writing, and oral and written communication;

• demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the national and international challenges for the professional visual artist in the 21st century;

• work at various levels, both as an individual and as a team member, in a wide variety of visual artistic environments;

• demonstrate an open, independent and inquiring attitude towards contemporary cultural developments and new ideas;

• understand their relationship with and responsibility to their cultural environment and society.