ARC 350R/386M
modernity: modernization: Modernism
examining the modern legacy in contemporary art and architecture

Instructor: John Szot
Lecture: W 6-9pm

Description:

In the arts, the term 'modern' developed beyond an expression of immediacy as their Modernist veins questioned and transgressed established conventions to produce works of timeless pertinence. Through converging conceptual principles, these discourses point to a modern architecture whose definition resides beyond the aesthetic level and transcends notions of 'functionality' and Zeitgeist. This class will be putting modernity and modern thinking 'on the couch' through case studies in art, music, and film to better understand the relevance of modern design today.

Format:

This seminar focuses on the various ideologies represented by modern thinking in the arts as a basis for evaluating the continued relevance of modern design in a contemporary context. The students will present research on modern artists from painting, sculpture, music, and film in class followed by open discussion of required reading. There will also be a short film series featuring seminal works of modern cinema. Topics will be approved by the instructor and tutored on an individual basis during office hours.

Objective:

This seminar focuses on the various ideologies represented by modern thinking in the arts as a basis for evaluating the continued relevance of modern design in a contemporary context. Through exposure to a diverse body of work and criticism, students are expected to postulate a working definition of modern architecture that addresses the issues facing a contemporary practice.

Evaluation:

Grades will be based on participation in class discussion (one-third); presentation of research (one-third); and a final paper/project analyzing a building built after 1980 (one-third).