Overview
In this unit, you will be introduced to common themes in international visual art practices since the 1980s. You will examine prominent critical and cultural theory and reflect on the ongoing influence of these discourses on visual arts production and criticism. In this unit, you will also explore issues of identity and cultural imperialism in contemporary artworks from Australia's First Nations artists and artists from the Asia-Pacific region.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2024
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Students feedback and SUTE survey.
Learning/teaching design
Maintain current learning/teaching design.
- Conduct focused research and develop context specific knowledge to inform and share opinions in appropriate written styles
- Identify and apply a range of concepts from critical theory and cultural studies to a discreet selection of late twentieth century and contemporary Australian, Asian or Pacific visual art practices.
Not applicable.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | |
| 1 - Annotated bibliography - 50% | ||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 50% | ||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||
| 5 - Team Work | ||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
p.connor@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
The End of Art History.
Chapter
- Read: week 1 Study Guide: The End of Art History.
- View: your other week 1 Learning Resources.
- Complete: your week 1 Learning Activities.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Topic:
The 'end of art history', the 'end of modern art'.
Module/Topic
Globalism and Cultural Studies.
Chapter
- Read: week 2 Study Guide: Globalism and Cultural Studies.
- View: your other week 2 Learning Resources.
- Complete: your week 2 Learning Activities.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Topics:
- Globalisation.
- Critical theory, cultural studies and contemporary visual arts practices.
Module/Topic
Ideology. What might a contemporary, critical view of ideology look like?
Chapter
- Read: week 3 Study Guide: Ideology.
- View: your other week 3 Learning Resources.
- Complete: your week 3 Learning Activities.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Topics:
- Ideology, Power, Hegemony.
- The Frankfurt School.
- Colonialism and Post-colonialism.
- Capitalism and globalism.
- Derrida and 'deconstruction'.
Artists investigated:
- Michael Cook
- Daniel Boyd
- Fiona Foley
Module/Topic
Identity. What is 'identity' and how is it constructed?
Chapter
- Read: week 4 Study Guide: Identity.
- View: your other week 4 Learning Resources.
- Complete: your week 4 Learning Activities.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Topics:
- Gender, race, sexuality
- Identity politics and 'otherness'.
Artists investigated:
- Will Wilson
- Judy Watson
- Gordon Bennett
Module/Topic
Contemporaneity. What are the conditions to which contemporary artists respond?
Chapter
- Read: Week 5 Study Guide: Contemporaneity
- View: your other week 5 Learning Resources.
- Complete: your week 5 Learning Activities.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Topics:
- Smith's contemporaneity
- temporality
- transnationalism
- cosmopolitanism
- worlding, placemaking and world-picturing
- the 'planetary turn'.
Artists investigated:
- Niloufar Lovegrove
- Vipoo Srivilasa
- Lee Paje
- Pala Pothupitiye
Module/Topic
NA
Chapter
NA
Events and Submissions/Topic
NA
Module/Topic
The Body. Why has the body become such an important site for critical theorists and visual artists?
Chapter
- Read: Your week 6 Study Guide: The Body.
- View: Your week 6 Learning Resources.
- Complete: your week 6 Learning Activities.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Topics:
- Mass media and gender representations.
- Body theory.
- The body as a sign.
- 'The gaze' and the sexualised body.
- Fluid identities
- The beautiful and the grotesque.
- The 'Abject'.
Artists investigated:
- Cindy Sherman
- Jenny Saville
- Ah Xian
- Mike Parr
- Julie Brown Rrap
Module/Topic
Time & Memory. How does the abstract concept of time effect our notions of self? Why are recollections of subjective experiences and cultural memory important to contemporary artists?
Chapter
- Read: week 7 Study Guide: Time & Memory.
- View: your other week 7 Learning Resources.
- Complete: your week 7 Learning Activities.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Topics:
Time:
- Time as an element of design.
- Linear and non-linear concepts of time.
- Temporality.
Memory:
- The unreliability of memory.
- Cultural memory.
- Oral histories and their. relationship with visual cultural traditions.
- Creating empathy or relatedness.
- Reflecting on individual and shared experiences.
Artists investigated:
Time:
- Christian Marclay
- William Kentridge
- Shaun Gladwell
Memory:
- Louise Bourgeois
- Bill Namiayangwa
- Ramingining Artists (Memorial)
- Christian Boltanski
Annotated Bibliography Due: Week 7 Friday (26 Apr 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Place. How do places effect our sense of self?
Chapter
- Read: Week 8 Study Guide: Place.
- View: your other week 8 Learning Resources.
- Complete: your week 8 Learning Activities.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Topics:
- Place and identity.
- Place as physical space and cultural space.
- Placemaking.
- Natural and architectural spaces.
- Public, and private spaces.
- Real and virtual spaces.
Artists investigated:
- Ian Smith
- Emily Kame Kngwarreye
- Ron McBurnie
- Jan Senbergs
- Khvay Samnang
Module/Topic
Language. Why is the written word a common feature of contemporary visual art practice?
Chapter
- Read: your week 9 Study Guide: Language/text and the visual arts.
- View: your other week 9 Learning Resources.
- Complete: your week 9 Learning Activities.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Topics:
- Post-structuralism and the 'linguistic turn'.
- The ubiquity of art and text.
Artists investigated:
- Joseph Kosuth
- Jenny Holzer
- Bea Maddock
- Christian Thompson
- STAB
- Parastou Forouhar
Module/Topic
Science and Technology. How does science and technology continue to shape who we are? How might contemporary artists explore these changes?
Chapter
- Read: week 9 Study Guide: Science and technology
- View: your week 10 Learning Resources.
- Complete: your week 10 Learning Activities.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Topics:
- Technology and civilisation.
- Art/Science hybrid artforms.
- Bioart.
- Transhumanism & Posthumanism.
Artists investigated:
- Stelarc
- Orlan
- Patricia Picinini
- Jeffrey Shaw
- John Young
Module/Topic
The environment. Why has the environment become such a key theme for contemporary visual artists?
Chapter
- Read: week 11 Study Guide: The Environment and the Visual Arts.
- View: your other week 11 Learning Resources.
- Complete: your week 11 Learning Activities.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Topics:
- Environmental art; eco-art.
- Planetarity, and planetary art.
Artists investigated:
- Yunupingu
- Murray Fredericks
- Andy Goldsworthy
- Agnes Denes
- Olafur Eliasson
- Diller Scoffidio + Renfro
Module/Topic
Spirituality. The arts and spirituality have always been aligned. How might contemporary visual arts practices serve the need to confirm or challenge worldviews and/or seek transcendence?
Chapter
- View: your week 12 Learning Resources.
- Complete: your week 12 Learning Activities.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Topics:
- Secular and Non-secular faith (spirituality, culture and the individual)
- Death and transcendence.
Artists investigated:
- Bill Viola
- Tim Johnson
- Andres Serrano
- Rosella Namok
- Alick Tipoti
- Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri
Written Assessment and Presentation Due: Week 12 Friday (31 May 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Annotated bibliography
Length: 1000-1500 words.
Due Date/Time: Week 7; Friday, 11:45 pm (AEST).
Task Description:
For this assessment you will develop and submit an annotated bibliography. This bibliography will list 10 quality sources which will directly inform the development of your written assignment (Assessment 2).
Your annotated bibliography will include:
- 5 books (hard copy, online or e-books)
- 5 academic or industry journal articles (ArtAsiaPacific, Art and Australia, Art Monthly and Imprint can be accessed through the CQUniversity library).
- Each listed book or article will be accompanied with a 100 - 150 word statement, summarising the relevance of this resource to the research topic.
The annotated bibliography will not include websites or articles where no author is noted.
Week 7 Friday (26 Apr 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Submit your assessment via Moodle. Be sure to attach a copy of the Assessment 1 criteria marking sheet, with both your name and student number included.
Week 8 Friday (3 May 2024)
Assessment results and feedback will be available via Moodle.
1. Quantity of sources. (10%)
2. Quality/reliability of sources. (20%)
3. Writing fluency of annotations. (25%)
4. Variety of sources. (20%)
5. Adherence to APA style guidelines. (25%)
- Conduct focused research and develop context specific knowledge to inform and share opinions in appropriate written styles
2 Written Assessment
Weighting: 50% weighting
Length: 10 - 12 minute duration
Due Date/Time: Week 12, Friday, 11:45 pm (AEST).
Task Description:
For this assessment you will prepare a written transcript and then present it as a pre-recorded, multimodal PowerPoint (audio narration + slides). In this written assessment and presentation, you will select one critically acknowledged international visual artist and one critically acknowledged Australian or Asia/Pacific artist, both of whom may be identified as working within one of the contemporary themes identified in this unit. Using critical/cultural theory, relevant terminology and the informed opinions of authoritative writers and reviewers, compare and contrast a major work by each selected artist, whilst relating the artwork to the identified theme. Your pre-recorded PowerPoint presentation must also include at least 7 (seven) direct quotes or paraphrased commentary from reliable and scholarly authors (appropriately cited). Additionally, you are asked to submit for assessment the written transcript for your assessment, along with a pdf of the PowerPoint slides. Both the transcript and the PowerPoint will include a reference list that:
- conforms with APA style (7th edition).
- includes a minimum of 7 references for direct quotes or paraphrased content.
- acknowledges the source, license, and credits (where appropriate) of all visual representations (figures) used in the presentation.
N.B.: When including imagery, graphs, or other visual representations in your presentation, only use copyright-free material, or seek authorisation for use. Also, ensure that appropriate acknowledgement of figures is included where the figures appear in your slides.
N.B.: Do NOT cite from Wikipedia or other websites that do not have an acknowledged author.
N.B.: The unacknowledged use of AI generated material in the preparation of this assessment may result in a ‘fail’ grade for this assessment.
Week 12 Friday (31 May 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Submit your pre-recorded Written/Presentation assessment via Moodle. Be sure to attach a copy of the Assessment 2 marking criteria sheet, with both your name and student number included.
Review/Exam Week Friday (7 June 2024)
Assessment results and feedback will be made available via Moodle.
1. Evidence of research and integration of theoretical perspectives. (20%)
2. Degree of depth with which topic is addressed. (20%)
3. Structure of presentation and use of appropriate software. (20%)
4. Ability to clearly articulate ideas and use appropriate style. (20%)
5. Citations, referencing and use of figures. (20%)
- Conduct focused research and develop context specific knowledge to inform and share opinions in appropriate written styles
- Identify and apply a range of concepts from critical theory and cultural studies to a discreet selection of late twentieth century and contemporary Australian, Asian or Pacific visual art practices.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
