This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This course aims to draw on both the history and theory of art in order to present a wide range of contemporary forms of art and artistic practice, and to articulate some key distinctions useful for addressing the question of the place of art in culture. In particular, a discussion of ideas of the avant-garde, of modernity and postmodernism will be relevant here. The course will explore, through pursuing general themes and case studies of particularly controversial art objects, the different means by which our notions of art and of the artist are 'framed' today, and it will therefore both inform students' broader study of the history of art and complement their individual artistic practice. Students undertaking this module will complete a final essay (see 16 below) requiring an in depth investigation and evaluation of a particular topic or theme in contemporary art.
One 2-hour lecture per week (total 20 hours). (All learning outcomes)
One 2-hour seminar per week (total 20 hours). (All learning outcomes)
Total Study hours (including private study hours): 300
Assessment will be 100% by coursework, broken down into three tasks.
• 60% - 1 x 2500 word essay (11.1-7, 12.1-3, 12.5-6)
• 20% - 1 x 10 minute seminar presentation (11.1-7, 12.1-5)
• 20% - seminar preparation notes (11.1-7, 12.1-3, 12.5)
Perry, G. and Wood, P.eds. (2004), Themes in Contemporary Art, New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press
Heartney, E. (2004), Postmodernism, London: Tate Gallery
Pooke, G. and Whitham, G. (2008), Art History, London: Teach Yourself
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
Upon completion of the module, students will
1) Have been introduced to a broad range of contemporary artists and their work in a variety of different media.
2) Have a critical understanding of the cultural, political and historical contexts in which key works of art have been produced.
3) Have been introduced, through a focused study of contemporary art, to a number of key theoretical and critical concerns relevant to the Fine Art programme as a whole.
4) Have acquired, through a focused study of contemporary art, a broad understanding of the range and diversity of approaches to the study of art within the multidisciplinary Fine Art programme.
5) Have acquired a broad critical understanding of the different types of writing which shape the discussion of contemporary art.
6) Have acquired a basic training in visual analysis of works of art, including how to 'read' and understand works of contemporary art.
7) Have acquired a broad understanding of the various sites of production and display for contemporary art, the traditions associated with them, and the affect they have upon the form and content of such work.
The intended generic learning outcomes
Upon completion of the module, students will:
1) Have developed skills of critical reading and analysis of a range of primary and secondary texts, including visual materials.
2) Have developed the key skills of written communication, problem solving, and some degree of responsibility for their learning.
3) Have used relevant Information Technologies to research and present their work.
4) Have developed the key skills of oral communication and working with others in a group, as well as gaining confidence in participating in critical discussion and debate while remaining open to the viewpoints of others.
5) Have learnt to locate a range of relevant learning and reference resources (including visual resources) within the Drill Hall Library, museums, galleries and the internet, and use them to support their arguments and analyses.
6) Have improved their ability to write coherent, informed and logical arguments in a well-organised and well-presented essay.
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