Fluid Bodies in Contemporary Art (Honors Course)

CATALOG DESCRIPTION:

Study of representations of bodies through the lens of contemporary art; interdisciplinary approach to the topic, with specific emphasis on novel developments in visual arts and cultural studies.

RATIONALE:

Contemporary artistic representations of bodies contest traditional notions on interconnections between the human and the animal, the animate and the inanimate. The prospect of genetic manipulation, the promise of technologically enhanced bodies, and constructions of bodies in social media, TV and cinema, have redefined the concepts of embodiment and selfhood. The course will focus on contemporary artistic practices, such as digital performance and bioart, which reformulate human body and identity/identities. Students will be invited to consider the ways in which technology and popular culture inform contemporary artistic representations that challenge the body. Putting emphasis on experiential learning, the course will deploy Digital Humanities tools to enable students to curate a virtual gallery of artistic works that articulate new notions of contemporary bodies.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon completion of the course, students will be able to

1. Examine a variety of contemporary artistic representations that rethink and redefine the concept of the body;

2. Develop awareness of the ways in which media and creative industries have affected contemporary aesthetic versions of embodiment and identity;

3. Articulate notions of contemporary bodies by undertaking an artbased project of their own;

4. Demonstrate understanding of the ethical implications and dilemmas associated with our contemporary body culture.

METHOD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING:

In congruence with the teaching and learning strategy of the college, the following tools are used:

• Textual analysis, class discussion, workshop-style pair work and group work during class meetings;
• Use of Digital Humanities tools;
• Active student-centered teaching approach in the presentation of course material to engage learners;
• Critical-thinking exercises and learning activities designed to help students acquire confidence and benefit from independent study;
• Student presentations of learning material to encourage involvement in the learning process;
• Co-curricular activities, ranging from screenings and other event organizing, to encourage students’ creative engagement with the material;
• Extensive instructor feedback on assignments and activities;
• Individualized assistance during office hours for further discussion of lecture material, additional reading, and assignments;
• Additional print and audiovisual educational material posted on the Blackboard course template;
• Other relevant educational material placed on reserve in the library.