Course Topics
‘What should I do?’—this may be the question of art and design students attending a lecture on ‘contemporary art.’ But ‘contemporary’ does not only refer to today’s artistic practice. It denotes an epoch after modern and postmodern art, an art in the age of globalization, dealing with the crises of our civilization: pollution, war, fascism, exploitation, inequality. Contemporary art is defined by specific practices that position the artistic author, define the audience, and reflect the institutional framing. Art history (Surrealism, abstract expressionism, pop art, conceptual art) will enter the discourse insofar as it helped establish practices that are still valid in contemporary art. Special attention will be paid to political movements, feminist art practices, performance, and forms of narration. You will probably not know what to do as an artist after that. But you will understand the field in which you can research.

Propaedeutic courses
None

Teaching format
Frontal lecture.

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
Written exam (multiple choice)

Evaluation criteria
Correct answers