BACT -305                                         Art Criticism                                                              3(3-0)

Course Description:

An overview of the description, interpretation, and evaluation of visual art as practiced in the discipline of art criticism. Both traditional and postmodern critical approaches to art will be considered with an emphasis on contemporary art criticism. Students will read a range of past and present art critics and write several examples of art criticism based on direct observation of contemporary art works.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• To evaluate and explain the significance of particular artists, artworks, audience responses and representations of the world.
•  Practice within art theory and art criticism requires an understanding of how layers of interpretation can be used to speculate about the meanings of artworks, and locate them in critical narratives and significant histories.
• Learn about artworks and significant ideas in the visual arts as they have been critically and historically interpreted and explained, at a certain time and over time. This may take into account art critical and art historical views about such things as artistic practice and artists.
• Learn alternative ways to generate and shape their critical and historical investigations of concepts and meanings in the visual arts.

Course Contents:

• Aestheticism
• What is Art in general
• Criticism of Art
• Identification / Description/ Interpretation
• Varieties of criticism
• The Art and crafts Movement
• Morales  versus Aestheticism

Recommended Books

1. Newman, B. (1990).  Selected Writings Interviews, (ed.) by John P. O'Neill, p.: 201, University of California Press.
2. Greenberg, C. (1961). Art ancd Culture Critical essays, ("The Crisis of the Easel Picture"), Beacon Press, pp.:154-157.

Suggested Books

1. William C. Seitz, Mark T and William C. Seitz. (1962). The Museum of Modern Art, New York.
2. Greenberg, C. (1961).  Art and Culture Critical essays, ("The Crisis of the Easel Picture"), Beacon Press, pp.:154-157.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Student will be evaluated through a system of weekly assignments.

Mid-term Exam:          30%

Final-term:                   50%

Sessional:                    20%     (Attendance 5% + Semester Assignments 15%)

Total:                          100%

Marking Criteria of Assignment

One assignment = 20 Marks (Class Assignment 10 Marks + Home Assignment 10 Marks)

Evaluation:

• Critiques at regular intervals (Please be aware that we will have class critiques in which work is shared and discussed. By being part of this class, we each agree to address other people and their work with respect.)

• Final assessment at the end of the workshop/Class (Exhibition)
• One assignment = 20 Marks (Class Assignment 10 Marks + Home Assignment 10 Marks)

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Statement from the instructor:

Art courses should not merely be about completing assignments. Theory classes in particular can tend to focus on the basic Art Historicalconcepts and neglect to encourage students to develop their own interests. While this course has objectives which must be met, we are going to learn to meet those objectives in a way that allows you to explore your interests in art field. In that spirit, I am always open to suggestions and constructive criticism about the course and your interests. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns, or comments. If you are unsure about something, email me. If you are having trouble, email me. If I don’t hear from you, I will assume everything is going fine.

Class attendance policy:

All students must attend class regularly to gain maximum from the instructor. Each Class bear its own importance, the thing once taught will never repeated. Every day brings a new experience that helps to flourish you. Attendance is mandatory.  Arriving to class late and/or leaving early three times will count as one unexcused absence. To avoid unexcused absences, please consult with me before you miss class.

Late assignments:

Assignments not submitted on the designated due date will be considered late.  Assignments grades will decrease by one full grade for each class the project is late. Assignments will not be accepted if missed due to an unexcused absence.

You will be responsible for:

• Assigned homework with process work and specific schedules.
• There will be written assignments, Quiz and Presentations. They are based on following directions given via this blog and in classroom demonstrations.
• Marks will not be increase on behalf of any illegal action.

Materials

• Hard copies of Art Criticism and lesson quiz
• Marker, Ball point
• Note Books
• Special Equipment: Computer Lab, computer-TV hookup, or computer projection equipment to show Powerpoint presentations to the whole class.