AHT3001 · Art writing and criticism

Overview

Art writing and criticism is a unit in the "practical" dimension of the study of art history. You will explore the various registers, genres and venues in which the discussion of art is carried out today - from academic journals, magazines, newspapers to online. You will both gain a theoretical perspective on these different approaches to the discussion of art and their various histories and yourself undertake a number of practical exercises in writing in these different styles and formats. You will especially be directed to thinking about what is the future of the discussion of art in the new age of the internet and the electronic media. What opportunities can they think of for yourself and others to put the art-historical knowledge you otherwise gain in your studies to practical use in the public arena? Throughout the unit a number of practical exercises in writing about art will be undertaken, giving you a sense of the different requirements for different kinds of writing. Above all, you will form the habit of writing about art, and understand that writing about art is a "practice" just as artists have a practice. To this extent, this unit must be seen as allied to the units offered in art curation (Curating: Histories and theories, and Curating: Making exhibitions) in opening up to students studying Art History certain "practical" or "vocational" outcomes for your skills and knowledges.

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 analyse the different places and formats in which the discussion of art takes place;
2. Demonstrate practical mastery of the various genres and styles of art writing;
3. Apply good work habits with regard to your own "art writing" practice;
4. Develop new venues and opportunities for art writing in the 21st century;
5. Employ new skills in online web publishing, graphic design and layout required to self- and other-publish online and in book and magazine production.

Workload

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

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