Course Description

The world we live in today is full of ideas, beliefs, and social systems that are distinctly modern. But what is “modernity”? How did we get here? And why is modernity disintegrating today? This course examines art’s role in the rise and spread of modernity, from its 18th-century origins in western civilization to its global predominance today. We will study art in relation to multiple aspects of modernity – including philosophy, economics, politics, psychology, science, technology, and media – and explore how art has supported, facilitated, resisted, and critiqued these systems of thought and behavior. While focusing on western art, the course draws links with modern art in Asia and helps illuminate contemporary modes of visual communication that now permeate the globe. Students will discover a rich range of remarkable artworks in a variety of media; develop proficiency in visual analysis and interpretation; and gain a broad historical understanding of modernity and modern art. Issues related to gender, race, class, and sexual orientation are discussed throughout the course.

Course Learning Outcomes

On completing the course, students will be able to:

• 1. Outline major artists and artistic themes in the development of modern art.
  2. Interpret modern and contemporary works of art in relation to various social, economic, and ideological aspects of modernity.
  3. Describe and analyze the visual effects of modern and contemporary art.
  4. Analyze and interpret works of art in written form.
  5. Apply knowledge from the course to students’ own life and experience in Hong Kong or elsewhere.

Offer Semester and Day of Teaching

Second semester (Wed)

Study Load

Assessment: 100% coursework

Required Reading

All readings will be short and highly focused, with a maximum of 20 pages in total per week. Every week will have two or three brief writings or interviews by artists or art critics (including some video interviews); every week will have one or two brief readings from art historians or art critics to provide historical context and critical ideas; and some weeks will have website readings or news stories about current events.

Course Co-ordinator and Teacher(s)