Course Topics
This studio explores the political dimensions of love and sexuality in visual culture—from historical representations to contemporary media. Based on the premise that intimacy and desire are not only personal experiences but also socially and politically shaped, we analyze how images make power relations visible, reproduce them, or challenge them. Through artworks, photography, film, digital platforms, and activist practices, the course examines how love and sexuality function both as instruments of social control and as forms of resistance. Topics include gender roles, body politics, representation, queerness, pornography, self-staging, and the commodification of desire. Combining theoretical inquiry with practical analysis of visual materials, the course encourages critical reflection on the aesthetic, social, and political significance of intimacy. Students will develop an understanding of how visual media shape our ideas of love, sexuality, and identity—and how these ideas are embedded in broader structures of power.

Teaching format
Module 1: group discussions, participatory lectures, workshops, student presentations, critique sessions, single meetings Module 2: assignments, group discussions, single meetings, presentations Module 3: Frontal lectures, group discussions

Educational objectives
Knowledge and understanding have acquired their own project methodology in the field of visual arts, from the phase of planning to the phase of realisation of the project. have acquired the basic practical and theoretical knowledge necessary to realise a project in the field of visual arts. have acquired the basic knowledge to be able to turn a critical eye to their own work and to deal with contemporary complexity. have acquired the basic knowledge necessary for further Master's studies in all components of project culture as well as in theoretical subjects. Applying knowledge and understanding plan, develop and realise a project in the field of visual arts. be able to finalize the creation of an accomplished project in the field of visual arts, thanks to the basic knowledge acquired in the practical, scientific and theoretical fields. recognise the main phenomena of contemporary society, to observe them critically, also from an ethical and social point of view, and to elaborate appropriate solutions at the level of a design proposal/response. make use of the skills acquired during the course of study in the event of continuing studies in a Master's degree programme in the field of visual arts and to develop them further. Making judgements be able to make independent judgements for the purpose of developing their own design skills and in relation to all those decisions that are necessary to bring a project to completion. be able to make independent judgements, both in the critical evaluation of their own work and in their ability to use the right interpretative tools in those design contexts in which they will work and/or continue their studies, also considering ethical and social aspects. Communication skills present an independently realised project in the field of visual arts in the form of an installation, orally as well as in writing in a professional manner. to professionally communicate and substantiate one’s own decisions and justify them from a formal and theoretical point of view. communicate and present your own project at a professional level in another language and correctly in a third language in addition to their own language Learning skills have learned a work methodology at a professional level - in the sense of being able to identify, develop and realise solutions to complex problems by applying the knowledge acquired in the practical and theoretical fields - in order to start a professional activity and/or continue their studies with a master's degree program. have developed a creative attitude and learned how to enhance it and develop it according to their own inclinations. have acquired basic knowledge in theoretical and practical subjects as well as a study methodology suitable for continuing studies with a master's degree program.

Assessment
By exam’s date, each student must upload on the Microsite of the faculty detailed documentation of the work done during the course. Documentation is an integral part of the exam. The documentation must include visual documentation and an abstract of the project. Module 1 - Production of artistic work (e.g. photographic prints, video, digital formats etc.) - Several presentations of own artistic work in plenary critique sessions as well as one to one meetings with teacher - Contextualisation of own artistic practice within current and/or past discourses - Presentation of researched topics to class - End of semester presentation in individual form of presentation/exhibition, (self-)/evaluation of results Module 2 - Assignments over the semester - Contribution to the production of a collective publication in relation to the semester Module 3 Oral examination with a discussion of students’ projects and individual researches. ALL THE STUDENTS ATTENDING THE EXAM AS NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS MUST AGREE UPON THE CONTENTS WITH THE TEACHER.

Evaluation criteria
Module 1 - Photography and Video - Strength and clarity of artistic concepts - Coherence of concept, choice of means and resulting artwork - Innovativeness/inventiveness concerning subject, approach and materials - Virtuosity of technical skills - Mastery of oral presentation: ability to summarize, evaluate, and establish relationships between topics and own artistic practice - Ability to work in a team - Capability of integrating reviews and critics in the work process - Skills in critical thinking and adequate communication to peers - Comprehensive artistic processes and presentation of results - Proactive attitude/behavior - Taking on responsibilities - Development of long-term interests Module 2 - Visual Communication - Strength and clarity of concepts - Completeness and coherence of concept, choice of means and resulting art work. - Clarity in the presentation of the process that leads to the final choices. - Inventiveness concerning subject, approach and materials. - Correct use of new tools and competences. - Ability to summarize, evaluate, and establish relationships between topics and own practice. - Capability of integrating reviews and critics in the work process. - Skills in critical thinking. - Taking on responsibilities. - Active participation and quality of contributions. Module 3 - Media Theory - Critical engagement with course materials: Students are expected to demonstrate a solid understanding of the theoretical frameworks and key concepts presented in the assigned readings and during lectures (including slides and visual materials). The ability to reconstruct arguments and apply them critically to relevant case studies will be essential. - Active participation and in-class discussion: A central part of the course is based on inclusive dialogue and collective reflection. Regular, thoughtful participation in class discussions will be assessed positively, particularly when students contribute with relevant insights, questions, or connections to course themes. - Student presentations and assignments: Each student will be asked to present a topic, artist, or visual case study related to the course themes. Presentations will be evaluated based on clarity, critical depth, originality, and relevance to the overall course framework. Additional assignments (written or visual) may be required to further explore key issues. - Clarity and precision of expression: Throughout all forms of assessment, particular attention will be paid to the student’s ability to express themselves clearly and coherently, using appropriate terminology and rhetorical structure consistent with academic standards.