This course is designed to introduce both art majors and non-majors to basic keywords, concepts and analytical categories of theoretical discourses relevant to an informed and critical engagement with contemporary art. Some of the disciplines touched on include formalism, marxism, structuralism, psychoanalysis, feminism and postcolonial theory. The aim is to provide background in the traditions of thought that inform much recent artmaking; by the same token, these traditions will help anchor our critical responses to artworks. The course recognizes the value of a wide range of theoretical perspectives and diverse ways of making and talking about art.

No prerequisites. P/N permitted only if course is not used either as a general distribution or departmental requirement.