| CODE | DGA5013 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Art and Critical Theory | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Digital Arts | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit introduces students to key concepts in critical theory, focusing specifically on visual art. Students will learn about the lives and ideas of major critical theorists and the importance of critical theory in the contemporary art world. The unit’s core content includes exploring the foundations of critical theory, the Frankfurt School, and later theoretical developments in contemporary critical thought. The unit also looks at the social, political, and cultural aspects of art. The lectures conclude with an evaluation of critical theory from the standpoint of contemporary social thinkers. Discussion based sessions will give students the opportunity to link concepts with their artistic production and experiment with ideas. Study-unit Aims: - Provide students with theoretical tools to investigate society and visual art. - Link critical theory with artistic production. - Explore the primary texts associated with critical theory and understand their influence in the art world. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Recognise the main ideas and thinkers in critical theory and understand the significance of critical theory in art; - Link cultural and social theory with visual art and creative production. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Develop ideas using documentation and journaling; - Discuss and explain how critical theory can inform art practice. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Adorno, T.W. & Horkheimer M. (1997). Dialectic of Enlightenment. Verso. - Benjamin, W. (2007). Illuminations: Essays and Reflections. Schocken. - Costello, D. & Vickery, J. (2007). Art: Key Contemporary Thinkers. Berg. - Dawkins, C. (2014). The Role of the Artist in Contemporary Art. Atropos Press. - Freud, S. (2001). The Interpretation of Dreams (Second Part) and On Dreams. Vintage. - Harrison, C. & Wood, P. (2003). Art in Theory 1900-2000: An Anthology of Changing Ideas. Blackwell. - Keucheyan, R. (2013). The Left Hemisphere: Mapping Critical Theory Today. Verso. - Krauss, R. E. (1996). The Optical Unconscious. MIT Press. - Marx, K. (1992). Early Writings. Penguin. - Pollock, G. (1988). Vision and Difference. Routledge. - Said, E. (2003). Orientalism. Penguin. - Trend, D. (2001). Reading Digital Culture (Key Works in Cultural Studies). Wiley-Blackwell. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Independent Study | ||||||||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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