Modern Art & Ideas Course Reviews

The course provides a comprehensive exploration of modern art, tracing its evolution and significance in the context of various historical, cultural, and social movements. The main objectives of the course are to help learners understand the fundamental concepts, artists, and ideas that have shaped modern art.

The course is divided into several modules, each focusing on a specific period or artistic movement. It begins with an introduction to the origins of modern art and the key events that paved the way for its emergence. From there, it delves into prominent art movements such as Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, and Pop Art, among others.

Throughout the course, students are introduced to influential artists and their iconic works, allowing them to grasp the essence of various artistic styles and techniques. The significance of these movements and artworks in challenging traditional norms and fostering new artistic expressions is also emphasized.

Furthermore, Modern Art & Ideas explores the broader cultural and societal contexts that influenced the artists and their creations. Students are encouraged to analyze and interpret artworks in relation to historical events, political climates, and philosophical ideologies of their time.

The course leverages a combination of video lectures, readings, discussions, and assignments to engage learners actively. By the end of the course, students should have a deeper understanding of modern art's evolution, its impact on society, and the enduring questions it raises about artistic expression, identity, and representation.

Course Content:

Welcome to Modern Art & Ideas! This course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about modern and contemporary art. Over the next five weeks, you will look at art through a variety of themes: Places & Spaces, Art & Identity, Transforming Everyday Objects, and Art & Society. Each week kicks off with a video that connects works of art from The Museum of Modern Art’s collection to the theme. You will hear audio interviews with artists, designers, and curators and learn more about selected works in the additional readings and resources.

Throughout this course you will discover how artists:

-- represent place and take inspiration from their environment,

-- create works of art to express, explore, and question identity,

-- use everyday objects to challenge assumptions about what constitutes a work of art and how it should be made,

-- and respond to the social, cultural, and political issues of their time through works of art.

Through the discussion forum prompts and peer review assignment, you will also have the opportunity to connect with other learners and explore how these themes resonate with your own life and experience.

The course Modern Art & Ideas by Lisa Mazzola on Coursera is divided into 6 modules. Here is a detailed breakdown of the modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Modern Art & Ideas

Be introduced to some of the overall benefits of studying modern and contemporary art through accessible and relevant themes.

• Introduction to Modern Art & Ideas•1 minute•Preview module

• Welcome to the Course!•10 minutes
• What is Modern Art?•10 minutes
• Suggestions for Making the Most of the Course•10 minutes
• Resources: MoMA podcasts, art vocabulary, Magazine, and YouTube channel•10 minutes
• Tell Us About You•10 minutes

Module 2: Places & Spaces

Discover some of the many ways that artists represent place and take inspiration from their environment.

• Places & Spaces•4 minutes•Preview module
• Vincent van Gogh. The Starry Night. 1889•2 minutes
• Piet Mondrian. Broadway Boogie Woogie. 1942–43•1 minute
• Gordon Matta-Clark. Bingo. 1974•1 minute
• Norman Lewis. City Night. 1949•2 minutes
• Andrew Wyeth. Christina's World. 1948•1 minute
• Salvador Dalí. The Persistence of Memory. 1931•1 minute
• Claude Monet. Water Lilies. 1914–26•1 minute
• Rachel Whiteread. Water Tower. 1998•2 minutes
• Edward Hopper. House By the Railroad. 1925•1 minute
• Louis I. Kahn. Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (Study for National Assembly Building). 1962–83•2 minutes
• Zarina. Home is a Foreign Place. 1999•2 minutes

• Introduction to Places & Spaces•10 minutes
• Slideshow•20 minutes
• In Depth: Bernd & Hilla Becher•30 minutes
• Optional Readings & Resources•10 minutes

• Weekly Reflection•30 minutes
• Practice Quiz•20 minutes

Module 3: Art & Identity

See how artists create works of art to express, explore, and question identity.

• Art & Identity•4 minutes•Preview module
• Frida Kahlo. Self-Portrait with Cropped Hair. 1940•2 minutes
• Andy Warhol. Gold Marilyn Monroe. 1962•1 minute
• Pablo Picasso. Girl before a Mirror. 1932•2 minutes
• Marc Chagall. I and the Village. 1911•2 minutes
• Henri Matisse. The Red Studio. 1911•2 minutes
• Rineke Dijkstra. Almerisa series. 1994–2008•1 minute
• Kara Walker. 40 Acres of Mules. 2015•2 minutes

• Introduction to Art & Identity•10 minutes
• Slideshow•20 minutes
• In Depth: Frida Kahlo and Ellen Gallagher•10 minutes
• Optional Readings & Resources•10 minutes
• Mid-course survey•5 minutes

• Weekly Reflection•30 minutes
• Practice Quiz•30 minutes

Module 4: Transforming Everyday Objects

Discover how artists use everyday objects to challenge assumptions about what constitutes art and how it should be made. Explore a variety of artistic and design choices, and the creative acts of inventing and transforming everyday objects.

• Transforming Everyday Objects•4 minutes•Preview module
• Marcel Duchamp. Bicycle Wheel. 1913•2 minutes
• Robert Rauschenberg. Bed. 1955•1 minute
• Meret Oppenheim. Object. 1936•2 minutes
• Décolletage Plastique Design Team. Bic Cristal® Ballpoint pen. 1950•2 minutes
• Louise Nevelson. Sky Cathedral. 1958•1 minute
• Mike Kelley. Untitled. 1990•2 minutes
• Jessica Rosenkrantz, Jesse Louis-Rosenberg. Kinematics Dress. 2013•1 minute
• Doris Salcedo. Atrabilious. 1992–93•1 minute
• Betye Saar. Black Girl's Window. 1969•1 minute

• Introduction to Transforming Everyday Objects•10 minutes
• Slideshow•20 minutes
• In Depth: Design Objects & Marcel Duchamp•10 minutes
• Optional Readings & Resources•10 minutes

• Weekly Reflection•30 minutes
• Practice Quiz•30 minutes

Module 5: Art & Society

Explore works of art created in response to the social, cultural, and political issues of their time. Gain a deeper understanding of history and contemporary society. Be encouraged to think critically about world events and how they are depicted.

• Art & Society•4 minutes•Preview module
• Dorothea Lange. Migrant Mother. 1936•2 minutes
• Jacob Lawrence. Migration Series. 1940–41•2 minutes
• Martha Rosler. House Beautiful (Bringing the War Home). 1967–72•7 minutes
• Jasper Johns. Flag. 1954–55•1 minute
• Shahzia Sikander. Candied. 2003•1 minute
• Faith Ringgold. American People Series #20: Die. 1967•3 minutes
• Beatriz González. Zócalo de la comedia, and Zócalo de la tragedia. 1983.•2 minutes

• Introduction to Art & Society•10 minutes
• Slideshow•10 minutes
• In Depth: Spatial Information Design Lab & Jasper Johns•10 minutes
• Optional Readings & Resources•10 minutes
• End-of-course survey•5 minutes

• Weekly Reflection•30 minutes
• Practice Quiz•30 minutes

Module 6: Art & Society: Lesson Choices

Reviews:

As a former learner who has taken the Modern Art & Ideas course by Lisa Mazzola on Coursera, I can confidently say that this course exceeded my expectations and provided a comprehensive and engaging exploration of modern art.

Lisa Mazzola's expertise in the field of modern art and curatorial studies was evident throughout the course. Her deep knowledge and passion for the subject shone through in her video lectures, which were clear, well-structured, and accessible to learners of varying levels of art knowledge. She masterfully presented complex art concepts, providing historical context and cultural relevance, which significantly enriched my understanding of modern art movements and their significance.

The course content was thoughtfully curated, encompassing major artistic movements such as Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, and more. Through in-depth discussions of prominent artists and their iconic works, I gained a profound appreciation for the diverse range of artistic expressions and the ways in which they challenged traditional norms.

One of the highlights of the course was the inclusion of various multimedia elements, such as images and videos of artworks. This immersive approach allowed me to visually engage with the artworks and better grasp the artistic techniques and styles discussed.

Additionally, the course fostered an interactive learning environment through well-designed assignments and peer discussions. These activities encouraged me to actively analyze and interpret artworks, as well as exchange perspectives with fellow learners, further enhancing my critical thinking and communication skills.

Moreover, Lisa Mazzola's passion and enthusiasm for the subject were infectious, motivating me to delve deeper into modern art beyond the course materials. Her guidance and expertise were invaluable in broadening my understanding of art history and its relevance in contemporary society.

However, I would have appreciated more opportunities for direct feedback from the instructor on assignments or discussions. While the peer-review system was helpful, receiving input from the course author would have been an added benefit.

In conclusion, Modern Art & Ideas by Lisa Mazzola on Coursera is a fantastic course that provides a well-rounded and enriching exploration of modern art. Whether you are an art enthusiast or just curious about the subject, this course offers a valuable learning experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for modern art and its profound impact on culture and society. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of art history.

What you'll learn:

After completing the Modern Art & Ideas course by Lisa Mazzola on Coursera, learners can expect to gain several valuable skills and knowledge related to modern art and its impact on society. Some of the key skills that participants may acquire include:

1. Art Appreciation: Students will develop a deeper appreciation for modern art and its various forms, styles, and movements. They will learn to analyze and interpret artworks with a critical eye, understanding the underlying concepts and ideas.

2. Historical Context: The course provides insight into the historical and cultural contexts that shaped modern art. Learners will gain a better understanding of how art evolved in response to significant events and social changes.

3. Artistic Movements: Students will become familiar with major artistic movements such as Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and more. They will recognize the characteristics, key artists, and themes associated with each movement.

4. Artist Profiles: Through studying the works of influential artists, participants will gain insights into the lives and contributions of renowned modern artists, broadening their understanding of their creative processes and motivations.

5. Analytical Skills: The course encourages critical thinking and analysis of artworks, enabling learners to articulate their interpretations and opinions effectively.

6. Cultural Awareness: By exploring various artistic expressions from different cultures and time periods, students will enhance their cultural awareness and sensitivity.

7. Historical Perspectives: Learners will be able to place modern art within a broader historical and philosophical context, appreciating how art reflects and challenges societal norms and values.

8. Research and Communication: Through assignments and discussions, students will hone their research skills and learn to express their ideas coherently and convincingly.

9. Aesthetics and Creativity: The course may inspire students to explore their own creativity and artistic expression, even if they don't consider themselves artists.

Overall, completing the Modern Art & Ideas course equips learners with a well-rounded understanding of modern art, its cultural significance, and its relevance to contemporary society. The acquired skills can be valuable not only for art enthusiasts but also for anyone interested in the broader cultural and historical implications of creative expressions.

Author:

Description of Lisa Mazzola:

Lisa Mazzola is an esteemed art historian and educator with a passion for modern art and its impact on society. She is known for her expertise in curatorial studies and her ability to communicate complex art concepts to a wide audience effectively. As an art curator and lecturer, Lisa has dedicated her career to advancing art education and fostering a deeper understanding of modern art movements.

Lisa Mazzola holds advanced degrees in Art History and has extensive experience working with various art institutions and museums. Her background in curatorial practices has allowed her to curate exhibitions that showcase the richness and diversity of modern art, bringing forth both well-known masterpieces and lesser-known gems to the public's attention.

Her commitment to art education is evident in her engaging teaching style, which seamlessly combines historical context, critical analysis, and cultural relevance. Lisa's approachable demeanor and enthusiasm for the subject create an inclusive and inspiring learning environment for her students.

Expertise and Evaluation:

Lisa Mazzola's expertise in modern art and curatorial studies is highly regarded in the art community. Her ability to contextualize artworks within historical, political, and cultural frameworks allows learners to gain a comprehensive understanding of modern art's evolution and its societal significance.

Her expertise as a curator is evident through her meticulous curation of exhibitions that provide a well-rounded representation of various art movements and artists. This attention to detail and commitment to presenting art in a meaningful and thought-provoking manner enhances the educational experience for museum-goers and students alike.

As an educator, Lisa's profound knowledge and excellent communication skills have garnered praise from learners who have taken her courses. She possesses the ability to make complex art theories accessible to learners of all backgrounds and levels of expertise, fostering a deeper appreciation for art and encouraging critical thinking and analysis.

Overall, Lisa Mazzola's contributions to the field of modern art education and curation have been significant, and her passion for the subject shines through in her work. Her dedication to expanding art appreciation and understanding makes her a highly respected and influential figure in the art world.

Requirements:

The specific requirements for the course Modern Art & Ideas by Lisa Mazzola may vary depending on the platform or institution offering the course. However, in general, the typical requirements for enrolling in this course could include:

1. Computer or Mobile Device: Students should have access to a computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile device with a stable internet connection to access the course materials and participate in online activities.

2. Internet Access: Reliable internet access is necessary to stream video lectures, access readings, and participate in online discussions and assignments.

3. Coursera Account: If the course is offered on Coursera, learners will need to create an account on the Coursera platform to enroll in the course and track their progress.

4. Language Proficiency: The course is likely to be conducted in English, so a reasonable level of English language proficiency is essential to understand the lectures and course materials.

5. Interest in Art and Art History: While no formal prerequisites may be required, a genuine interest in modern art and its historical context will enhance the learning experience.

6. Time Commitment: The course duration and time commitment may vary, but students should be prepared to allocate time for watching lectures, engaging in discussions, and completing assignments.

7. Willingness to Participate: Active participation in discussions and assignments is often encouraged, as it enriches the learning experience through interaction with peers.

8. Basic Computer Skills: Some familiarity with using online platforms, navigating websites, and submitting assignments online may be beneficial.

It's essential to note that specific course requirements might change based on updates or modifications made by the course instructor or the platform hosting the course. Students should refer to the official course page or the platform offering the course for the most up-to-date and accurate information on enrollment and requirements.