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 asks students to read book-length works of interdisciplinary theory that pertain to discussions about contemporary art, culture and politics. While undergraduate units only expect readings of essay length, here students are trained to tackle and understand how an argument is constructed in longer works. This unit is distinct from VISA4406 The History of Art History in its interest in both very recent publications, and in teaching students how to extract arguments from monographs.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Honours option in History of Art [Bachelor of Arts (Honours)]
Outcomes

Assessments require students to summarise the argument of one of the course texts, using secondary readings in the area of contemporary discourse that pertain to this text's argument. The outcome of the unit is to tackle long works that are relevant to ongoing discussions in the humanities, and the assessment asks students to do just this in a sustained argument of their own.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) abstract and (2) major essay. Further information is available in the unit outline.



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

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Darren Jorgensen
Unit rules
Prerequisites
enrolment in
honours in History of Art
Incompatibility
VISA4401 Readings in Contemporary Theory
Advisable prior study
Students who aren't studying the HON-HYART History of Art may still be able to complete this unit with the permission from the Honours Coordinator
Contact hours
3 hour seminar per fortnight
  • 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.