ARTH 474: Advanced Studies in Contemporary Art

ARTH 474-001: Investigating Perception
(Fall 2016)

04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R

Research Hall 201

Section Information for Fall 2016

With the rise of the mass media, consumer culture, and the age of information in the mid-twentieth century, the question of perception—how we see and how that act of seeing affects cognition—becomes a key factor inspiring and supporting many of the new artistic developments that make up contemporary art.  The mechanics of perception, its effects on cognition, and various theoretical explorations of this phenomenon become the subject of art, as well as the source of new experiments in both the making and the reception of art.  This writing- and reading-intensive seminar course will examine perception as a driving force in contemporary art by investigating how contemporary artists experiment with new ways of seeing and art-making in an effort to activate different modes of perception and to offer a deepened awareness of the self, others, and the world.  Our analysis of this theme will be framed by the following questions:  What new forms of perception does contemporary art activate? How does perception affect the way audiences engage, assess, interpret and alter contemporary works of art? What does this mean for art; but also, what does it tell us about how we perceive the world around us and how we approach certain experiences and ideas? Artist statements, prevalent theories of art, and critical responses will provide the framework for the discussion and analysis of these significant developments in contemporary art.

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Study of a topic in contemporary art in a research seminar setting. Focus on particular theme, region, artist, or medium, or take a comparative approach. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Specialized Designation: Writing Intensive in Major
Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 302; 3XX level coursework in modern or contemporary art; or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

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