91105 - Art Fashion and Society

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students are expected to acquire: -knowledge of the main sociological concepts related to art and the different art genres, with particular reference to fashion; -ability to apply sociological theories and methods to contemporary phenomena and trends in the fields of arts and fashion.

Course contents

This module delivers an advanced introduction to the sociological study of the arts, and fashion. This approach, which includes fashion among the arts already suggests a reflexive notion of art, of what belongs to an ‘artworld’ and who its main actors are. The module will invite the students to a sociological outlook, in dialogue with other disciplines relevant to the subject matter, that will enable them to interpret a variety of current trends in several art genres. From classic theories to current research on contemporary interventions, looking at both the arts of the past and current provocations, the students will develop their toolbox to navigate the growing and increasingly varied worlds of art.

Readings/Bibliography

- Becker, H.S. (1982) Art Worlds, Berkeley, University of California Press.

- 'Materiale Didattico' (Slides and readings)

- One of the following of your choice:

Kawamura, Y. (2005) Fashion-ology, Oxford: Berg. (108pp.)

McRobbie, A. (1999) In the culture society. Art, Fashion and Popular Music (Part 1 only, pp.ix-108)

Stallabrass, J. (2004) Contemporary Art, Oxford: Oxford U. Press (135pp.)

Teaching methods

Lectures and seminars; workshop activities.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods will be communicated at the start of the course.

Teaching tools

In class we will critically discuss the texts included as key bibliography. We will also use additional material to facilitate active participation in class, with individual study and small group activity.

Office hours

See the website of Monica Sassatelli