Critical and Theoretical Studies 2 (FINA10032)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Southbank)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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This subject focuses on the concept of modernity in culture and society, particularly as it fashioned the art of the later nineteenth century and twentieth century with a wave of successive avant-gardes, and which we identify as “modernism”.

Students will explore language and methods for critically describing and interpreting works of art, using examples from the modern era. Through study of select works of art, students examine historical, social, cultural and political contexts.

Developing from Critical and Theoretical Studies 1, this subject introduces more advanced modes of critical interpretation of the visual arts. Critical and Theoretical Studies 2 includes an embedded program in academic literacy skills in analysis, discussion, essay writing, research and information retrieval, and is designed to complement accompanying studio-based programs.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • classify and differentiate key historical works of art and social contexts of the modern era;
  • recognise and use terminology used in the critical understanding of modern art;
  • perform basic textual analysis;
  • identify methods for critically describing and interpreting works of modern art;
  • demonstrate appropriate skills in academic literacy and art-specific research methodologies.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Students must meet one of the following prerequisite options:

Option 1

Admission into the B-FAVISART Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)

AND

All of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
FINA10025 Studio Studies 1
Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank)
 18.75
FINA10026 Critical and Theoretical Studies 1
Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank)
 12.5

Option 2

Admission into the B-DES Bachelor of Design

AND

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
FINA10026 Critical and Theoretical Studies 1
Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

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: 14 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Fortnightly online quizzes (academic and library skills)

  • 400 words (equivalent)
Throughout the teaching period10%

Textual analysis

  • 1500 words
Mid teaching period40%

Essay or negotiated inquiry as approved by the subject coordinator

  • 2000 words (equivalent)
During the examination period50%
Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of all scheduled classes and submit all elements of assessment to be eligible for a pass in this subject.Throughout the teaching periodN/A

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    CoordinatorSean Lowry
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Southbank)
    Contact hours36 hours, comprising twelve 1 hour lectures and twelve 2 hour tutorials.
    Total time commitment204 hours
    Teaching period28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025
    Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025
    Census date 1 September 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail26 September 2025
    Assessment period ends21 November 2025

    Semester 2 contact information

    For all administrative enquiries, e.g. enrolment, class timetable, special consideration enquiries: Contact Stop 1

    For all academic enquiries, e.g. assessment, subject matter enquiries:
    Sean Lowry: sean.lowry@unimelb.edu.au 

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    A reader comprising critical and historical texts anthologised by the co-ordinator will be available for purchase.

    The textbook information will be on the LMS.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseBachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
  • Breadth options

    This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:

  • 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: 14 March 2025