Modern Art: The Politics of the New (AHIS10002)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 2
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This subject explores a selection of artists, movements and themes in art from the late 19th century to the present day. It will examine such topics as cross-cultural interaction and its impact on art, the advent of new artistic techniques including photography and installation art, the depiction of the self in modern and contemporary art, the relationship of art to its physical, social and political context, and the ways in which visual images help to define individual and social identities. On completing the subject students should have an understanding of the history of modern art, have acquired a set of basic skills in visual analysis, and understand some of the principal methodologies employed in the discipline of art history.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of the subject, students should have:



  • a basic understanding of the history of visual forms and basic skills in visual analysis;
  • a basic understanding of the principal methods of analysis employed in the discipline of art history; and
  • basic oral skills for the discussion of visual forms and basic skills in essay writing relevant to the discipline of art history, including presenting an argument, marshalling and documenting evidence, and basic bibliographic skills.

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject, students should gain the following generic skills:

  • be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;
  • be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;
  • be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;
  • be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision; and
  • be able to participate in team work through involvement in syndicate groups and group discussions.

Last updated: 4 April 2025