29012 - Phenomenology of Contemporary Art (1) (2nd cycle)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will develop the theoretical-methodological and historical-critical tools to understand contemporary art forms from the early 20th Century to the multimedia formulations of the last decades. More specifically, with the critical awareness acquired, students will possess the necessary skills to deal with the study of the evolution of artistic movements and the resulting changes of languages, while keeping in consideration the changes of techniques and artistic practices; they will be able to carry out documentary and bibliographic researches in traditional and digital repertories, and to produce original texts for research or popularizing purposes.

Course contents

The course addresses some crucial issues in contemporary art, such as the transformations of figurative space, the transition from representation to presentation, the notion of the “open work”, the dematerialisation of the artistic object, citationism, and artists' engagement with media and visual culture. These themes will be explored through the analysis of some fundamental essays by national and international art critics, providing the historical-critical and theoretical-methodological foundations for addressing the main issues in contemporary visual arts.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

Readings/Bibliography

The bibliography, valid for both attending and non-attending students, consists of a selection of theoretical and critical essays analysed in class and made available to students in PDF format on Virtuale.

Teaching methods

Lectures with multimedia support: slides, pictures, audiovisual materials

Assessment methods

The test will consist of an oral examination in which the candidate will have to prove that he or she has assimilated the content covered in the course. In particular, language property, argumentative ability, knowledge of the authors covered and general readiness will be assessed.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is necessary to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) with ample time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint, PDF, audiovisual materials

Office hours

See the website of Pasquale Fameli