AHT1102 · Modernism and the avant-garde

Overview

In this unit, you will explore major movements in Modern Art from 1850 to 1960, including Impressionism, Cubism, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism and Pop Art. You will investigate key artworks, artists and art-historical texts that have shaped understandings of modernism and the avant-garde from the twentieth century to the present. Each week, you will examine defining works alongside critical and historical interpretations, developing the vocabulary and analytical skills needed to discuss Modern Art in informed ways. The unit also considers modernism as a broader cultural phenomenon, including its relationship to social change, artistic experimentation, women artists and global artistic contributions. You will be encouraged to reflect on the assumptions that have shaped the field of art history and to consider how more inclusive histories of Modern Art can be researched, written and debated.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

100% in-semester assessment

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Identify and contextualise the principal movements, artists and key works of Modern Art from 1850 to 1960;
2. Apply an art-historically informed vocabulary to the discussion and analysis of Modern artworks;
3. Explain the concept of modernism as a broader cultural phenomenon influencing art and society;
4. Analyse the roles of women artists and global artistic contributions in shaping a more inclusive history of Modern Art;
5. Reflect on and evaluate the disciplinary approaches and assumptions that shape the field of art history;
6. Interpret and critically respond to selected works of Modern Art through written and/or verbal engagement.

Workload

12 hours per week including 3 contact hours plus 9 hours of independent study, or equivalent.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.