City University of Hong Kong Information on a Gateway Education Course offered by Department of School of Creative Media with effect from Semester A in 2014/ 2015 Part I Course Title: Course Code: Course Duration: Exploring Contemporary Art GE1110 One semester Proposed Area: (Please insert 1 for the single primary area, and 2 for the secondary area if applicable. Students will only earn credit units from the primary area.) Arts and Humanities Study of Societies, Social and Business Organisations Science and Technology No. of Credit Units: Level: 3 units A1/B1 Medium of Instruction: English Medium of Assessment: _ English Prerequisites: (Course Code and Title) Nil Precursors: (Course Code and Title) Nil Equivalent Courses: (Course Code and Title) generally none Exclusive Courses: (Course Code and Title) This course is opened for all students except SCM students 1
Part II 1. Abstract This course is a broad-view introduction to the development of art in the 20th century, especially after the two world wars. It provides a broad base for contemporary non-artists to appreciate the rich creative innovations as well as social cultural commitment that have impacted today s art practices around the world, including China. The course covers contemporary art topics, ranging from Dadaism, conceptual art, installation art, performance art, experimental film to video, digital art through the study of existing exhibitions and artists. Through lectures, case studies, class discussion, practical assignments, exhibition visits, and interview with artists, students will learn how to view 21st Century contemporary art in an informed and lively way. 2. Course Aims This course aims to introduce the development of art in the 20 th century, escpecially after the two world wars. It provides a broad base for contemporary non-artists to appreciate the rich creative innovations as well as social cultural commitment that have impacted today s art practices around the world, including China. The course covers contemporary art topics, ranging from Dadaism, conceptual art, installation art, performance art, experimental film to video, digital art through the study of existing exhibitions and artists. Through lectures, case studies, class discussion, practical assignments, exhibition visits, and interview with artists, students will learn how to view 21st Century contemporary art in an informed and lively way. 3. Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs) Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to: No. CILOs Weighing (if applicable) 1. Identify the historical background of the art movements and concepts for objective analysis of art work; 2. Describe the relationship of art to its historical (social, economic, political) context; 3. Explain the visual elements of an art work and the concept of the medium; 4. Appreciate the cultural context of art works; 5. Reflect on the concept of "art" and debate about why some practitioners have or have not rebelled against it; 6. Compare the relationship between artists. 2
4. Teaching and Learning Activities (TLAs) (designed to facilitate students achievement of the CILOs - Some TLAs may address more than one CILO.) ILO No TLAs Hours/weeks (if CILO 1-6 CILO 1-6 CILO 2, 3, 6 CILO 3, 5, 6 Lectures In-class discussions and debates about the meaning, scope, and application of core terms, sample artists, case studies, exhibition visits, written reviews, similarities and differences between different media of art Teach and make small art projects (found objects, performances, small public art pieces/events, etc.) that address the relationship between self, art and everyday life. Visit of exhibitions in local museum and/or independent art spaces, art fairs, or performances applicable) 5. Assessment Tasks/Activities (designed to assess how well the students achieve the CILOs Some assessment tasks/activities may address more than one CILO.) ILO No Type of assessment tasks/activities Weighting Remarks CILO 1-6 CILO 2, 3, 6 Integrated research: field visit + review + discussion + presentation 1. Write an art view on one current art exhibition or the work(s) of a living artist based on research. 2. Present the review in class. 3. Critique classmates presentation. ***The above 3 tasks should amount to one single research event spread out across the semester. Class works of making small art projects (found objects, performances, small public art pieces/events, etc.) that address the relationship between self, art and everyday life. (if applicable) 3
6. Grading of Student Achievement: Refer to Grading of Courses in the Academic Regulations. 100% coursework Grading pattern: Standard (A+, A, A- F) Grading is based on performance in assessment tasks / activities. Letter Point Definitions Strong evidence of original thinking; good organisation, A+ 4.3 capacity to analyse and synthesise; superior grasp of A 4.0 Excellent: subject matter; evidence of extensive knowledge base; A- 3.7 impressive presentation with illustrated examples; good attendance and actively involved in class discussion. Evidence of grasp of subject, some evidence of critical B+ 3.3 capacity and analytic ability; reasonable understanding of B 3.0 Good: issues; evidence of familiarity with literature; good and B- 2.7 effective presentation; good attendance and occasionally involved in class discussion. Understanding of the subject; ability to develop solutions to C+ C C- 2.3 2.0 1.7 Adequate: simple problems in the material; plain presentation with accurate information; poor attendance and seldom involved in class discussion. Sufficient familiarity with the subject matter to enable the D 1.0 Marginal: student to progress without repeating the course; understandable presentation, weak organization of the presentation; poor attendance and not involved in class 4
Letter Point Definitions discussion. Little evidence of familiarity with the subject matter; F 0.0 Failure: weakness in critical and analytic skills; limited or irrelevant use of literature; do not hand in the assignments or make presentation; absent from half of the classes. Part III Keyword Syllabus: Dadaism, conceptual art, installation art, performance art, experimental film and video, digital art, formalism, emotionalism, functionalism, activists, public art and Hong Kong art. Recommended Reading: Text(s): 1. Gavin Butt(ed.). After criticism: new responses to art and performance. Malden, MA : Blackwell, c2005. 2. T.J. Clark. The Painting of Modern Life (London : Thames & Hudson, 1984). 3. Arthur C. Danto. After the end of art: contemporary art and the pale of history, Princeton, N.J. : Princeton University Press, c1997. 4. Norbert Lynton. The Story of Modern Art, Oxford: Phaidon, 1989. 5. David Sylvester. About modern art : critical essays, 1948-96. London: Chatto & Windus, 1996. Online Resources: World Wide Arts Resources Culturelink Network International Federation of Arts Councils and Cultural Agencies Hong Kong Artist.net Hong Kong Art Archive Hong Kong Arts Development Council 5