Modern Art: The Politics of the New (AHIS10002)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2019 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks
You’re currently viewing the 2019 version of this subject

Overview

Availability
Semester 2
FeesLook up fees

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: 9 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

107-019 and 107-131 Art History B: Twentieth Century Art

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Assessment

Additional details

  • A 1,000 word visual analysis (20%), due during the semester
  • A 2,000-word essay (50%), due during the semester
  • A 1,000 word examination (30%), during the examination period
  • This subject has a minimum attendance hurdle requirement of 80%, and regular participation in tutorials is required. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorAnthony White
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursTotal 36 hours: 2 x 1 hour lectures and a 1 hour tutorial per week.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period29 July 2019 to 27 October 2019
    Last self-enrol date 9 August 2019
    Census date31 August 2019
    Last date to withdraw without fail27 September 2019
    Assessment period ends22 November 2019

    Semester 2 contact information

    a.white@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    A subject reader will be available.

  • Subject notes

    Formerly available as 107-019 and 107-131 Art History B: Twentieth Century Art. Students who have completed 107-019 or 107-131 Art History B: Twentieth Century Art are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    MajorArt History
  • Breadth options

    This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:

  • Links to additional information

    http://arts.unimelb.edu.au/culture-communication

  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

  • Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 9 April 2025