Course Topics
Looking at the practice of a contemporary artists, we detect several features: They work with found materials, quote images already circulating in society. Process is more important than result. The artist prefers to be part of a community, instead of playing the higlighted role of the author. Different types of practice are now available: scientist, researcher, teacher, ethnologist, musician, designer, architect. Painting, sculpture or video together are possible means of communicating. The art system, the art market itself, has become an artistic tool of production. Part of a political attitude and self-reflection that defines art today. This art history course will not pretend, that history can be told in a logical linear way. Students will learn about art history by researching the development of the different features of contemporary practice: How come that artists started to adopt used object from their social context? How come that the art object lost its meaning and how can artists deal with the transience of process? Why has art become so political and what can art really achieve in a society? The course, in this way, introduces to art history in an ‚interested‘ way and intends to help students to position themselves in their beginning practice.

Propaedeutic courses
None

Teaching format
Frontal lectures, group discussions, student's presentations.

Educational objectives
Knowledge and understanding - 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 scientific and theoretical subjects. Applying knowledge and understanding - 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 design and to develop them further. Transversal competence and soft skills Making judgements - 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 contexts in which they will work professionally in design and/or continue their studies, also considering ethical and social aspects. Communication skills - to professionally communicate and substantiate their own decisions and justify them from a theoretical point of view. Learning skills - have acquired basic knowledge in theoretical subjects as well as a study methodology suitable for continuing studies with a Master's degree programme.

Assessment
Final test (multiple choice), presentation during the course. N.B. ALL THE STUDENTS ATTENDING THE EXAM AS “OPT” OR AS NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS MUST AGREE UPON THE CONTENTS WITH THE TEACHER.

Evaluation criteria
Final test: correct answers; Presentation: richness, clarity and accuracy.