Contemporary Art (AHIS30020)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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This subject examines international contemporary artistic practice. Through case studies of specific artworks students will be introduced to the theories that informed, shaped or were employed by critics and curators in recent decades. A broad variety of media will be considered, including painting, sculpture, installation, performance, photography, video and multimedia technologies. Students may explore issues such as: the relationship of regional and global cultures, the diversity of identities within contemporary culture, the growing awareness of the art of minority groups, the impact of new technologies, media forms and ideologies on culture, and the impact of globalisation on networks of exhibitions, artists and curators.

Artists’ responses to social debate on issues such as race relations, immigration, the environment, censorship, republicanism, and gay and lesbian politics will be considered. In addition, changes in the infrastructure and institutions of the culture industry - galleries, museums, publishing and media - may be examined.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of the subject, students should be able to:

  • Critically analyse and interpret contemporary artworks across various media, including painting, sculpture, installation, performance, photography, video, and multimedia technologies, through the lens of relevant theories and critical frameworks.
  • Examine the relationship between regional and global cultures, as well as the diversity of identities represented in contemporary artistic practices, and their impact on the production and reception of art. 
  • Explore how contemporary artists respond to and engage with social debates and issues, such as race relations, immigration, the environment, censorship, republicanism, and gay and lesbian politics, through their artistic practices. 
  • Investigate the impact of new technologies, media forms, and ideologies on contemporary culture and artistic expression, as well as the influence of globalisation on the networks of exhibitions, artists, and curators.
  • Investigate the impact of new technologies, media forms, and ideologies on contemporary culture and artistic expression, as well as the influence of globalisation on the networks of exhibitions, artists, and curators.
  • Critically evaluate and discuss the theories and critical frameworks employed by curators and critics in interpreting and contextualizing contemporary artworks, fostering analytical and critical thinking skills.

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject, student should 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
  • Conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations
  • Communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion
  • Manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision
  • 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

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: 9 April 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

A research essay

  • 2000 words
During the teaching period50%

A take-home examination

  • 2000 words
During the examination period50%
Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures.Throughout the teaching periodN/A
Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. Throughout the semesterN/A

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorAneta Trajkoski
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursTotal 30 hours: A 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    aneta.trajkoski@unimelb.edu.au

     

     

Time commitment details

170 hours

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: 9 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 9 April 2025