CONTEMPORARY ART HISTORY - II

The class will provide the core knowledge for the study of contemporary art history, focusing on the main movements, artists and exhibitions of the 20th and 21st centuries. Artistic personalities, artworks, trends and exhibitions will be examined in their cultural-historical connection from diachronic and synchronic perspectives and in relation with their historical, social and cultural contexts of provenience.
The course is addressed at students whose last names begin with a letter comprised between F and O. No exceptions or transfer to or from other partitions are allowed.
The 12 ECTS course is divided into two modules, each consisting of 6 ECTS. Students who have both modules in their study plan are required to take both modules within the same academic year, otherwise any partial module taken will be forfeited. It is highly recommended, but not mandatory, to give the exams in a chronological order, thus first Module I then Module II.

The course will provide an in-depth knowledge of the art history from the 20th and 21st centuries, introducing students to key artists, works and texts regulating the contemporary art system.
The main objective of the course is to enhance skills in the following fields:
- to recognize the works and artists discussed in class and place them in a proper theoretical, historical and cultural context
- to develop critical skills and analyze an artwork within its historical context and from multiple perspectives, including its technical, iconographic and stylistic features
- to strengthen communication skills and acquire a vocabulary appropriate to the given context

No requirements. Yet, a preliminary knowledge of the arts of the 20th and 21st centuries will be helpful

The module will offer an inquiry into the contemporary art from an historical perspective and in an international context. A comparative analysis of the topics addressed in class will be conducted within a period spanning from the mid-20th century to the present day.

Notes taken in class.
The second half (1945-2015) of the handbook: H. Foster, R. Krauss, Y. Bois, B. Buchloh, D. Joselit, Arte dal 1900: modernismo, antimodernismo, postmodernismo, edited by Elio Grazioli, Bologna, Zanichelli, 2017 (or any previous edition)
Further literature will be provided at the beginning of the course

Two-hour written exam, divided into two parts:
1) Four artworks, among those commented in class and uploaded in the moodle, to recognise, contextualise and comment.
2) Two open questions about artists, artworks and topics presented in class.
The use of books, notes and any electronic device is not permitted during the exam.

written

The lecturer has a duty to ensure that the rules regarding the authenticity and originality of exam tests and papers are respected. Therefore, if there is suspicion of irregular conduct, an additional assessment may be conducted, which could differ from the original exam description.

Regarding the grading scale for the written exam:

A. Scores in the range of 18-22 will be assigned for:
- Sufficient knowledge of the textbooks and related topics
- Limited ability to use data and form independent judgments
- Sufficient communication skills.

B. Scores in the range of 23-26 will be assigned for:
- Fair knowledge of the textbooks and related topics
- Fair ability to use data and form independent judgments
- Fair communication skills.

C. Scores in the range of 27-30 will be assigned for:
- Good or excellent knowledge of the textbooks and related topics
- Good or excellent ability to use data and form independent judgments
- Fully appropriate communication skills.

D. The “laude” will be awarded to students with excellent knowledge and comprehension of the textbooks and related topics.

Lessons open to the discussions and commentaries of the slides and texts presented in class.
Possible talks with invited guests.
The material presented in class will be available on the Moodle e-learning platform together with additional sources.

Students with Special Educational Needs are invited to contact the Inclusivity Service at Ca' Foscari before the beginning of the course.