This course introduces students to contemporary concepts and theories
developed by artists of different disciplines working form 1970 to
the present.  Through lecture and discussion, this course strengthens
the student's abilities to talk and write about contemporary art in a
sophisticated and skilled manner.  Emphasized in this class are ideas
and language related to the making and meaning at conceptual art,
performance art, video and digital media work, painting and sculpture.
The knowledge acquired through this investigation will provide the
student with the necessary discourse to enter the current world of art.

This course is designed for upper level under-graduates and for
graduate students in all departments of the Art School.  Classroom
activities include slide lectures, video viewing, critique and
discussion.  Each student is required to write six art reviews of six
different artist projects on the World Wide Web, thus engaging the
student in a relationship with the current technology being used by
visual artists today.  Each student is required to create three or
more studio assignments based on the topics currently being discussed
in the classroom.  These projects help students expand their understanding
of traditional object making. Lastly, each student is required to
complete a final term project using research, development and writing,
designing and planning, based on creating a group show of contemporary
artists and contemporary thinking.  Students are evaluated on the
innovative interpretation and quality research of their projects, and
the strength of their improvement in their ability to engage in
meaningful contemporary art discourse.  All of which develops a
vocabulary essential to their development of professional artists.