107-131 Art History B: Twentieth Century Art

Formerly available as 107-019. Students who have completed 107-019 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

This subject explores the relationships between art, artist and audience by examining a selection of artists, movements and themes in late 19th and 20th century art. The subject will examine such topics as cross-cultural interaction and its impact on art, the advent of new artistic techniques such as abstraction and collage, the depiction of the self in modern and contemporary art, the relationship of art to its physical, social and political context, and the ways in which visual images help to define individual and social identities. Artists studied include Paul Gauguin, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo and Jackson Pollock. On completing the subject students should have an understanding of the history of modern art, have acquired a set of basic skills in visual analysis, and understand some of the principal methodologies employed in the discipline of art history.

• 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;

• be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;

• be able to communicate knowledge in an intelligent and economical way through essay writing and tutorial discussion;

• be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, essays, assignments and examination revision;

• be able to participate in team work through involvement in syndicate groups and group discussions.

A 1000 word visual analysis 20% (due during the semester), a 2000 word essay 50% (due during the semester), and a 1000 word examination 30% (during the examination period). A minimum 75% attendance at tutorials is also expected as a hurdle requirement in order to pass the subject.

A subject reader will be available.