ART 108: Foundations of Contemporary Art

UW-Madison

Online Version

Summer-2017

Prof. Felice Amato

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Foundations of Contemporary Art surveys the movements and theories of the twentieth century that inform contemporary art production. Special emphasis will be placed on the shift from modernist models of art making to postmodernism’s critical deconstruction to our current post-historical phase.

Contemporary art has always been global, though typically the extant narratives frame the important art of the 20th century as historically Euro-American.This course will expand that template and consider an expanded view of the foundations of contemporary art.This course will acknowledge standard art historical approaches to such surveys but will present a different model by which to articulate the narratives of movements and manifestos that have laid a foundation for contemporary art practice.This course will follow the trajectory of an interdisciplinary, manifesto driven art world from 1900 through the beginning of the 1960s.

This narrative is political, reactionary, anti-status quo and often confrontational. It rejects traditionally understood ideas about the nature of art, materials and authorship and replaces such ideas with radical notions of what art can be and who might identify themselves as an artist.The historical narrative that is of concern to this course is that which is contingent on the way in which artists perceive the possibility of an expanded conversation about the nature of art, about the possibility that art can fundamentally alter the way in which we perceive ourselves in relation to the culture around us and that art can in turn, fundamentally change the culture.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

In this class students will…

  • describe basic qualities and conditions of Modern art as well as several exceptions.
  • describe the technological, political, social, and economic conditions that created the backdrop for the emergence of various Modern art movements.
  • describe at least 8 Modern art movements, key artists in the movement, important works and media, and the content of the manifesto when applicable.
  • identify the work of a variety of artists and critics and describe their contributions.
  • identify key figures that shaped the culture of the 20thCentury including Freud, Walter Benjamin, and Karl Marx and describe their significance.
  • be able to describe both impediments to the participation of women and people of color as well as specific strategies various individuals and groups used to access and participate in the art world.
  • describe examples of non-western art of the same period.
  • discuss the concept of “male gaze” and how this evolved during the 20th century.
  • define and apply a range of art-related terms such as appropriation, the uncanny, purity, manifesto, and
  • identify a variety of art media and discuss the emergence and impact of new media such as film and use of the “ready-made.”
  • engage in discussions and demonstrate development in both yourideas and yourability to articulate those ideas.
  • create several original works in response to the course content.
  • demonstrate an understanding of the institutions and practices related to Modern art.
  • relate specific artists’ work and practice to issues of identity, perspective, spirituality, etc.
  • demonstrate an ability to be critical consumers of visual culture.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

  • Upload a photo and profile to Canvas
  • Check Canvasregularly for announcements and emails
  • Respond to communication from your professor
  • Viewall lectures and ancillary online content
  • Participate in all online discussions, conferences, etc.
  • Participate in peer editing, etc.
  • Complete all readings (texts, PDFs, and links)
  • View additional resources for eachmodule
  • Complete assignments and exams

TIMELINE AND EXPECTATIONS

This online class is meant to provide a balance of flexibility and structure. During an eight-week summer class you can expect to do two weeks work in one--meaning viewing up to four hours of lecture, two hours of participatory activities and several hours of reading/studying/reviewing/viewing additional materials.

There are specific dates set for the completion of each segment (including tests, interactive activities and assignments) after which no credit is guaranteed. If you need accommodations, please email the instructor to propose an alternative completion schedule subject to approval. Extensions must be requested at least 24 hours in advance. Please note that all work must be finished by the last day of the term.

REQUIRED TEXTS

There are two required texts (available at The University Bookstore):

  • Art Since 1900: Modernism, Antimodernism, Postmodernism, Vol. 1: 1900-1944[Paperback] Foster, Krauss, Bois, Buchloh, Thames and Hudson
  • After Modern Art 1945-2000by David Hopkins, Oxford University Press

Additional texts will be provided on Canvas through links and PDFs.

GRADING

  • Participation -30%
  • Assignments - 30% (there are 4)
  • Midterm Exam - 20%
  • Final Exam - 20%

Grading Scale:

A / A/B / B / B/C / C / D / F
93-100 / 88-92 / 83-87 / 78-82 / 73-77 / 64-72 / 0-63

ASSIGNMENTS:

You will have 4 assignments during the semester in addition to a midterm and a final. They are a combination of studio, conceptual, and written work. For all the assignments, your work should be creative, imaginative, and exhibit a curiosity for materials and concepts. All written assignments must be double spaced and spell-checked using the MLA style. You will be graded down for improper spelling, poor grammar, and factually inaccurate statements. As with all assignments, you are urged to do additional research and to be as creative and committed as possible. Pleasd upload larger files using the Kaltura option:

  • 500 words
  • Text Object
  • Manifesto
  • Curation

EXAMS

There will be two: a midterm exam and a final. You will be given 3 days to complete the exam online. You can use resources such as the internet and texts. However, academic integrityis expected. Your answersmust be your own, unique responses. That means that a student should use quotes when taking language directly from a source and cite the ideas of others. The ideal way of using others' words and ideas is to cite and/or synthesize them into new observations andoriginal ideas. If you are unsure, it is always best to give credit to yoursources. (

CONTENT WARNING

Due to the very nature of art, at times this semester we will be discussing topics and events and viewing images that may be uncomfortable and/or challenging for some students. The breadth of artistic expression and the challenge posed to previous cultural boundaries are an integral part of the story of art since 1900. Many artists have chosen to confront accepted norms and test boundaries of acceptability as part of their practice.However, if you feel unable to examine or discuss a specific work, you can notify the instructor and request an alternativewithout academic penalty.

RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES POLICY

Any student with a conflict between an academic requirement and any religious observance will be given an alternative means of meeting the academic requirement. Please let your instructor know by the second week of class if you anticipate a needing any extensions. This should pose few conflicts for an online class.

ACCOMMODATIONS

If you are in need of special accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact the McBurney Center within the first two weeks of class and notify your instructorof your needs in terms of test taking or other accommodations. If you are concerned about your grade or performance, please contact theinstructor as soon as possible via email.