Critical and Theoretical Studies 4 (FINA20032)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Southbank)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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This subject concentrates on developments in art and culture in the twenty-first century. It is oriented by the proposition that the displacement and disparagement of postmodernism over the past decades has resulted in an upsurge of new artistic modes, concerns, and aspirations.

Students will explore the language and methods for critically describing and interpreting works of art, using examples from the contemporary era. Through study of select works of art, students examine historical, social, cultural and political contexts. This subject develops from Critical and Theoretical Studies 1–3, introducing more advanced modes of critical interpretation in the visual arts together with a focus upon collaborative skills.

Critical and Theoretical Studies 4 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 works of art and social contexts of the contemporary era;
  • critically identify and explain terminology used in the critical understanding of contemporary art;
  • perform visual and textual analysis of contemporary art;
  • apply methods for critically describing and interpreting works of contemporary art;
  • demonstrate skills in academic literacy and contemporary research methodologies specific to the visual arts;
  • develop and refine collaboration skills and demonstrate these skills in the execution of contemporary art research and presentation;
  • demonstrate a capacity to critically evaluate collaborative contemporary art research.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

All of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
FINA20027 Studio Studies 3
Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank)
 25
FINA20029 Critical and Theoretical Studies 3
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: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Online quiz (academic and library skills)

  • 400 words (equivalent)
Throughout the teaching period10%

Group presentation

  • 10 minutes
Throughout the teaching period20%

Individual essay that extends and reflects upon individual contribution to collaborative tutorial presentation

  • 1000 words
Throughout the teaching period20%

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: 4 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: 4 March 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

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

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseBachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
  • 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: 4 March 2025