Art history practices and debates: short course

Art history is changing. Works of art no longer ‘speak for themselves’. What are the latest theories of looking and ways of interpreting? Explore these new areas using case studies.

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Key course information

Dates
26/09/11 - 05/12/11

Day(s)
Mon

Duration
10 weeks

Time
18:00 - 19:45

Fees
Full fee: £140
Senior fee: £140
Concession: £85

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VB107

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700

Course outline

What is the course about?

This course is about current practices and debates within art. You will explore the theoretical idea of postmodernism and reflect on the effects of postmodernism on artistic practice in relation to wider social, political and cultural ideas. You will engage with the work of a range of contemporary practitioners, and develop analytical and critical skills in regards to art in the 21st century.

What topics will we cover?

The course includes general introductions to a range of key themes and concepts affecting the work of contemporary artists and ideas within art history. These will include postmodernism, semiotics, interactivity, politics, technology, the sublime and identity. The roles and uses of these critical contexts will be discussed with reference to major works of art on display in London collections.

The course aims to help you understand the role of critical contexts within the current practice of art history. Our exploration, discussion and questioning of these critical contexts will enrich the experience of looking at art within a gallery or museum.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

1. Understand broadly several basic principles of postmodernism and its use within current art history and art practice.
2. Understand broadly several key themes affecting, or reflected in, contemporary art.
3. Discuss art within critical contexts with greater confidence.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Some prior knowledge of art history is expected, so this course is not suitable for complete beginners. The course would be useful to students preparing to study art history at degree level or above, or for those with an interest in contemporary art practice and culture in the 21st century.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs, and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to make simple calculations.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course will be taught using a rigorous mixture of lectures, discussions and engaging activities. There will be no set work outside of classes, but you may wish to read books from the reading lists that will be distributed at the end of each session.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You may want to purchase books from the reading list given out by the tutor.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Some of the museum or gallery-based courses at City Lit may interest you.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Select another date / day / time

Dates	Day(s)	Time	Duration	Fees	Snr	Conc	Code	Availability
26/09/11 to 05/12/11	Mon	18:00 - 19:45	10 weeks	£140	£140	£85	VB107	Finished	» Select
12/11/11	Sat	10:00 - 16:00	1 weeks	£44	£44	£29	VB159	Finished	» Select

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

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