760-207 Social Realism and Australian Arts

This subject may be credited towards a major in Theatre Studies or Visual Media.

Successful completion of 87.5 points of creative arts or arts subjects.

The subject will examine the sources, roles and place of social conscience in culture and isolate instances of social class, meaning and political purpose in the arts. The subject will provide interpretations based upon radical ideologies and analyse the socially constructed aspects of human creativity. As well, the subject will touch upon questions of gender, social exclusion, geography, ethnicity and sexual politics, where these are relevant to the examination of alternative paradigms of artistic practice. Lecture topics and subject content will be selected from the following: The Social Realist Imagination; The Roles, Rise and Uses of Utilitarianism; Tolstoy and Art; Alternative Invention and Imagination; Art, Culture and Populism; Realism and Anti-Abstraction; Social Activism and the Public; The Rise of Alternative Theatre; Hardy and Australian Identity; The Art and Imagery of War; Social Criticism, the Popular Press and The New Left; Collectives and Co-operative Art; Politics and Art in Australia; Regionalism and Internationalism in the Arts; Government Policy and the Arts.

• demonstrate an analytical understanding of the philosophical aims and paradigms that account for the rise and uses of Social Realism;

• describe and understand a number of the key characteristics, themes, aesthetic concerns and artistic or philosophical figures exemplifying these respective paradigms;

• demonstrate a general understanding of the broad social and cultural shifts that distinguished the Twentieth Century from what preceded it;

• demonstrate an understanding of the principles of research and the use of primary and secondary source material.

An essay of 2000 words 50% (due at the end of semester), a tutorial presentation of 1500 words comprising an oral presentation, a written paper, synopsis, references and bibliography 40% (due throughout semester) and a class test equivalent to 500 words 10% (due mid-semester). A hurdle requirement of a minimum 80% attendance required.

A subject reader will be available for purchase.