Course Description
Advanced cross-media research and studio production on a topical theme in contemporary art. Readings, guest lectures, and field research will guide discussions on the topical theme of the course. Students will develop studio work addressing the theme utilizing the media of their expertise.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be required to research artists and/or
movements within the theme, presenting both a written paper,
oral presentation, and leading discussions of those topics,
including both factual research and conceptual engagements into
the ideas within the chosen subjects.
Athena Title
Thematic Inquiry
Prerequisite
Two 3000- level or above ARST or ARID or ARGD courses
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course is designed for students to engage contemporary issues in the field of studio art practice working across media. The course will address a topical theme of inquiry such as (but not limited to) sustainability, social politics, personal identity, science, or popular culture. Readings, classroom discussions, slide lectures, guest presentations, site visits, and individual research will expose the students to the issues and conceptual framework surrounding the theme of the course. Through research students will become familiar with the contemporary issues of the theme and engage those themes within their studio work. Emphasis in the course will be on portfolio development through proposed project design, research, and implementation. Students will be required to engage assignment topics and present their work in the context of historical and contemporary practices within their medium. In presenting their work, students will be expected to assimilate and analyze the topic of the assignment and present the work orally as well as through various modes and media, including the use of appropriate technology. Students will be expected to engage other students' work with dialogue that is stylistically appropriate and mature, including addressing work that falls outside of their area of studio expertise. The cross-disciplinary structure of this class will significantly expand the scope of students' understanding of the various disciplines and media of art practice. During critiques students will learn to communicate for academic and professional contexts, supporting a consistent purpose and point of view while considering and engaging opposing points of view. Students will be required to interpret inferences within each work being discussed, developing subtleties of symbolic and indirect discourse across the media and methodologies of art practices.
Topical Outline
This course will include an overview of historical and contemporary art practices in the topic of the course through readings, slide/video presentations, guest lectures, and site visits. Independent research, presentations, and class discussions will engage students on the issues of the course. Studio practice will be emphasized with the production of a portfolio or collection of works addressing the topics addressed. Students will be mentored through the process of sustained personal portfolio development through project design, research, and implementation practices. Periodic critiques will be held on developing work, with regular in- class assisted studio practice.
Syllabus