Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit provides students with the unique possibility to engage with art that is relevant to their lives today by exploring art of the twenty-first century. Particular focus is devoted to contemporary practice and thought about art that has formed within a technologically rich context. Attention is given to discourses surrounding artistic responses to the world today and to how particular ecological, political, social and technological concerns of the twenty-first century inform artistic practice. The unit provides essential tools for researching and recognising alternative art histories to identified dominant narratives. It incites an awareness of the key debates surrounding the intersection of art and the twenty-first century world. Students also develop the general ability to conduct independent research in novel areas and an ability to think creatively and clearly construct and express new ideas and arguments.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 option in the History of Art; Art History and Curatorial Studies major sequences
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) identify and understand a diverse range of texts, ideas and art forms of the art of the century; (2) articulate knowledge specific to the field in both written and spoken form and apply such knowledge to the analysis of art; (3) integrate visual and aesthetic analysis of artworks into historical and theoretical arguments; (4) discern the intersecting theoretical approaches and identify the key issues that have arisen in art over the last decade; (5) make a clear and logical argument with theoretical underpinning and critical evaluation of the literature; and (6) establish substantial connections between art of the twenty-first century and the broader cultural milieu.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) short essay; (2) research paper; and (3) seminar presentation. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit rules
Prerequisites
at least one Level 2 unit from the History of Art major sequence
Incompatibility
VISA2265 Twenty-first-century Art, VISA3375 Twenty-first-century Art
Contact hours
lectures: 2 hours per week
tutorials: 1 hour per week
Note
Enrolled students can access unit material via the LMS (Learning Management System).
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.