Course Title: Context And Culture Level 1

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2008

Course Code: VART5146

Course Title: Context And Culture Level 1

School: 340T Art

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5048 - Diploma of Arts (Visual Arts)

Course Contact : Kellyann Geurts

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4472

Course Contact Email:kellyann.geurts@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 48

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

In this course students identify and analyse sociological subject matter and its impact on the production of art.
This course presents a broad view of the major conceptual concerns associated with contemporary visual arts practice. These concepts and their historical precedents are discussed within local, regional, and international contexts. Context & Culture links with Contemporary Art Studies by aiming to present a broader view of theoretical issues, sociological concepts and their impact on the Visual Arts.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VBS656 Context and Culture Level 1


Learning Outcomes


1. Identify basic sociological concepts
2. Analyse the impact of sociological aspects on the production of visual art
3. Develop a personal artistic philosophy


Details of Learning Activities

Delivery is in the form of lectures.

Visiting arts practitioners may be invited to illustrate issues discussed within the course, where applicable or relevant.


Teaching Schedule

Week Date  Activity
 1    Orientation week
 2 22 Feb  General Introduction
 3 1   Mar  TOPIC 1 : TIME AND PLACE
 4 8   Mar   TOPIC 1 : TIME AND PLACE
 5 15 Mar   TOPIC 2 : ART AND PLAY
 6 22 Mar   TOPIC 2 : ART AND PLAY
 7 29 Mar   TOPIC 3 : THE GENDERED BODY 
 8 5 Apr   TOPIC 3 : THE GENDERED BODY
     EASTER HOLIDAY – NO CLASS
 9 19 Apr   ESSAY WRITING WORKSHOP
10 26 Apr   ART AND PLAY : Artist Profile
11 3   May   THE BODY : Artist Profile
12 10 May   TIME AND PLACE : Artist Profile
13 17 May   LAST CLASS
 HAND IN RESEARCH ESSAY


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

D'Allena, Anne. How to Write Art History, Laurence King Publishing,London, 2006


References

Sturken. M and L. Cartwright. Practices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture. Oxford University Press, 2001.

Mirzoeff, Nicholas. An Introduction to Visual Culture. Routledge, 1999.


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Essay (80%)
Theory Journal (20%)


Assessment Tasks

1             Research Essay                80%

Students will submit 1 essay of 1500 words choosing from 4 possible essay questions. These essay questions are based on the lecture topics which are presented in class. Students will be expected to apply research methods and develop a conceptual approach to visual culture. The Research Essay is due to be handed up in week 13 – the last class on Thursday May 17th.

All assignments must be typed. Late submissions will only be allocated a ‘pass’ grade. Please ensure you have a copy of your final draft before submitting in case it is lost or misplaced – this is your responsibility.

2      Theory Journal                           20%

Students will be required to submit a journal of class notes for assesment. The theory journal is a record of participation and should include notes taken during the lectures as well as some images and brief notes/ideas/questions relating to the topics discussed during the lectures.


Assessment Matrix

Students need to present a clear and concise written essay that demonstrates a full understanding of the area under discussion. The essay must include a full bibliography and visual references of the works under discussion. It is vitally important to remember that any form of plagiarism is illegal. The theory journal that students develop is a short summary of ideas relevant to the three key topics presented.

Other Information

The course is delivered in the auditorium on Level 1. Information will be imparted via audio visual means; slides, powerpoint, video and dvd presentations.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview