Course Topics
- History of Contemporary Art - Visual Cultures and Digital Platforms - Globalization and Contemporary Art - Identity and Representation in Contemporary Art - Ecocritical and Decolonial Perspectives in Art The course provides students with a comprehensive exploration of the historical and theoretical frameworks shaping modern and contemporary art practices. The course emphasizes critical engagement with key topics, including the history of contemporary art, visual cultures, art theories, and art criticism, fostering a deep understanding of the intersections between art, technology, nature, and culture. Students will examine globalization's impact on contemporary art, the rise of digital art and virtual reality, and the evolving roles of identity and representation in artistic practices. Special attention will be given to the influence of social media on art creation, dissemination, and interpretation, highlighting the ways in which digital platforms redefine visual cultures. By analyzing case studies and engaging in critical discourse, students will develop the analytical tools necessary to interpret and critique artistic works. This module also aims to empower students to reflect on their roles as creators, equipping them with the theoretical foundations to articulate and contextualize their practices within the broader landscape of art and design in the digital and global age.

Teaching format
Through lectures, readings, and discussions, the course situates these topics within broader socio-political, ecological, and philosophical contexts, encouraging students to adopt ecocritical and decolonial perspectives that challenge traditional narratives and promote inclusive and sustainable approaches.

Educational objectives
Educational objectives Analyze the Evolution of Contemporary Art Develop a critical understanding of the history of contemporary art and its relationship with broader cultural, social, and political developments. Foster Ecocritical and Decolonial Perspectives Equip students with the tools to critically evaluate traditional art narratives, emphasizing inclusive and sustainable approaches that address ecological and decolonial concerns. Examine the Impact of Globalization and Technology Investigate how globalization, digital art, virtual reality, and social media shape contemporary art, its production, and its reception. Critique Identity and Representation in Art Foster a nuanced understanding of identity, representation, and their intersections with contemporary art practices, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity. Develop Critical and Contextual Thinking Equip students with the analytical tools to critique artistic works and articulate their creative practices within the complex intersections of art, technology, nature, and culture. Learning outcomes Knowledge and understanding: Knows ecocritical theories and their applications in visual arts and design. Have specific knowledge of artistic and design techniques that promote environmental sustainability. Understand the processes of interaction between artistic practices and natural context, analysing them while considering the connections with other fields of knowledge, such as philosophy, sociology and environmental sciences. Applying knowledge and understanding: Conceive and implement artistic and design projects that respond to contemporary environment challenges, using sustainable materials and ecological techniques. Develop initiatives that involve local and global communities, promoting greater awareness and action towards environmental sustainability. Collaborate with scientists, activists and other professionals to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge into artistic and design projects. Making judgements: Collect and interpret cultural and material data from the fields of art, design, technology and spatial and curatorial practices, demonstrating the ability to place events, works and production operations in the historical context and current trends. Grasp the authority and evaluate the reliability of the various available sources. Reflect and express an independent judgement, including on social, ethical and political-cultural issues. Interpret specific facts and events, within subject of their field of study. Communication skills: Writing scientific and technical articles and reports with clarity and effectiveness presenting projects and ideas verbally in a professional and convincing manner Learning skills: The strengthening of the critical operational autonomy of students. The development of their ability to choose, compare and adapt to the new knowledge and technologies.

Additional educational objectives and learning outcomes
Analyze the Evolution of Contemporary Art Develop a critical understanding of the history of contemporary art and its relationship with broader cultural, social, and political developments. Foster Ecocritical and Decolonial Perspectives Equip students with the tools to critically evaluate traditional art narratives, emphasizing inclusive and sustainable approaches that address ecological and decolonial concerns. Examine the Impact of Globalization and Technology Investigate how globalization, digital art, virtual reality, and social media shape contemporary art, its production, and its reception. Critique Identity and Representation in Art Foster a nuanced understanding of identity, representation, and their intersections with contemporary art practices, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity. Develop Critical and Contextual Thinking Equip students with the analytical tools to critique artistic works and articulate their creative practices within the complex intersections of art, technology, nature, and culture.