WesMaps - Wesleyan University Catalog 2020-2021       Summer Session       Winter Session       Home       Archive       Search
CS92PROD
Concepts in Contemporary Art
ARST 355
Spring 2021
Section: 01  
Crosslisting: ARHA 355

In this interdisciplinary seminar and studio course, we explore key concepts in contemporary discourse across a range of forms, genres, and disciplines. How do works of art respond to and reframe central debates in the wider culture? In what ways do the theory and practice of art supplement or contradict each other? How does research function within the context of art historical study and contemporary artistic practice?

To contend with these questions, students develop a series of projects over the course of the term in response to specific conceptual prompts. These investigations may take the form of studio-based work or written scholarship depending on student interest and will culminate either in a final research paper (for those registering for Art History credit) or a final project in any medium (for those registering for Art Studio credit). Along the way, we study artworks, literary texts, works of social theory, art historical scholarship, films, popular culture, and other objects to ground our research. Parallel activities may include conversations with artists and art historians, methodological workshops, site-visits, trips to museums, and archival research.

Since the course's aim is to cultivate unexpected collaborations, cross-disciplinary encounters, and new ways of conjugating the history, theory, and practice of art, the final portion of the semester will focus on the organization of a collective exhibition, event series, symposium, publication, or other expanded curatorial endeavor. The course meets Fridays 12:30 pm-5:30 pm, with a break during that interval. Class time may on occasion include individual meetings and independent work.
Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: HA ART
Course Format: StudioGrading Mode: Student Option
Level: UGRD Prerequisites: None
Fulfills a Major Requirement for: (ARHA-MN)(ARHA)(ARST)
Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available

Last Updated on MAR-28-2024
Contact wesmaps@wesleyan.edu to submit comments or suggestions. Please include a url, course title, faculty name or other page reference in your email ? Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459