Spring 2007 Syllabus - Contemporary Critical Issues

Spring 2007

Tuesdays

6:30 PM – 9:20 PM

VIS 201

VAF 366

Section A00

Section ID 564161



Instructor: Rubén Ortiz Torres



General Course Description:



An exploration of a range of issues important on the contemporary
critical scene through readings and writing assignments.
Topics will vary from year to year. Offered every fall.
(Required, M.F.A.)

Individual course description:


Contemporary art education supposedly favors a
conceptual approach over craft and technique.
However theoretical discourse is not fashionable
in the art world anymore as it was in
the late eighties at the height of the postmodern debate.
As a result we do not teach technique and neither theory.
What do we teach? What is the role of
theory and ideas for the practicing artist today?

Through a series of readings, discussions,
presentations and analysis we will try to
bridge the gap between the understanding of theory
and the production of art and culture.

Course requirements:


The student is expected to do a series of readings
and respond to
them. The responses will be posted online for the
class to read.
There will be a test of the basic principles of
semiotics. As a final
project the student will write a small essay
analyzing an interesting
example of art or culture