KUN2540 ¨C Politics of Art. Modern and Contemporary Perspectives

Course content

The aim of this course is to give an introduction to the various interrelations of aesthetics and politics in the 20th and 21st century. From the historical avant-gardes to contemporary art, works of art not only reflect on existing political problems. They also often propose specific political solutions. The course asks how problems of political emancipation and critique can be related to questions of artistic form, materiality, technology and media. The course gives a general overview of how specific artistic strategies try to have an impact on society.

Learning outcome

?After completion of the course, you will:

• have a substantial understanding of how art and the political are related throughout modernity.
• have learnt to apply this knowledge to your own thinking about artistic production of the present.
• be able to analyze various political as well as aesthetic theories. You will also be able to reflect on their interrelation.
• have learned how artistic strategies can be meaningful and productive for society at large.
• be able to communicate both orally and in writing academic English.?

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about?admission requirements and procedures.

Overlapping courses

• 10 credits overlap with KUN4540 ¨C Politics of Art. Modern and Contemporary Perspectives.

Teaching

The course is taught in weekly 3-hour sessions (10 x 3 x 45 min).

The teaching is a combination of lectures and seminars. We expect you to meet prepared for classes and to actively participate in discussions and to give a presentation on assigned topics/texts.

To qualify to the final exam, you must complete these compulsory assignments:

• Compulsory attendance at class. You must attend class, at least 7 out of 10 classes.
• Oral presentation

Examination

The examination is a semester assignment.

The thesis must consist of 10 pages (each page ¨¤ 2300 characters without spaces, not including illustrations, notes and reference).

The assignment will be handed in using Inspera. You must familiarize yourself with the login and submission procedures in timely manner before the exam. Read more about Inspera below.

When writing a semester assignment, you are entitled to individual guidance by you teacher. To be eligible for this guidance you must submit a draft of your paper that meets certain requirements. More detailed information about guidance and how to submit your draft will be given by the teacher during class or in Canvas.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.