Intro to Critical Art Theory

Description

The seminar in Critical Art Theory is aimed not only at providing systematical and historical account of the subject matter but it also strives to become a form of critical practice. Therefore, we will not only speak about critical art theory but exercise it through reading, interpreting, discussing and confronting its traditional sources and artistic instances such as contemporary ramification including pop culture. Thus, the seminar should not be informative, but transformative. Instead of simple lecturing or conveying information, we will engage in common critical practice or poetic of knowledge if you will. Each session should work on its own, providing examples or even controversies for interpretation and debate. The program of the seminar falls roughly into 2 parts. Firstly (in sessions 1-7), we will cover historical conditions of critical art theory, so that we can move onto the second part (8-15), where we will focus on particular and current issues concerned with application rather than genealogy of critical theory. The program of the seminar should nonetheless reflect the interest of students.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
– Critically assess art, pop culture and cultural artifacts or narratives;
– Have insight into modern and contemporary art in terms of its critical import;
– Systematic overview of critical (art) theory;
– Apply critical and academic standards in writing.