What Is Contemporary Art? Course Reviews

The course provides an overview of contemporary art and explores various themes and issues related to it.

The course is divided into 6 modules. The first module introduces the concept of contemporary art and its history. The second module examines the relationship between contemporary art and the art market. The third module explores the role of institutions like museums and galleries in shaping contemporary art. The fourth module discusses the various mediums and forms used in contemporary art. The fifth module examines the influence of politics and social issues on contemporary art. The final module explores the future of contemporary art and its potential for change.

Throughout the course, students engage in various activities such as reading articles, watching videos, and participating in discussions. They also have the opportunity to complete quizzes and a final project that allows them to apply what they have learned.

Overall, What Is Contemporary Art? is a comprehensive course that provides a broad understanding of contemporary art and its relevance to society. It is designed for anyone interested in contemporary art, whether they are new to the field or have a background in art history.

Course Content:

What Is Contemporary Art? is an online course on Coursera taught by Sophie Cavoulacos, and it consists of six modules with a total of 34 lectures.

The modules are as follows:

1. Introduction to Contemporary Art- 5 lectures: Introduces students to the concept of contemporary art and its history, including its evolution and development over time.

2. The Art Market and Contemporary Art- 5 lectures: Explores the relationship between contemporary art and the art market, examining the role of collectors, galleries, and auction houses in shaping contemporary art.

3. Institutions and Contemporary Art- 6 lectures: Delves into the role of institutions like museums and galleries in shaping contemporary art, discussing how curators and institutions influence what is considered "important" in the art world.

4. Mediums and Forms in Contemporary Art- 7 lectures: Explores the various mediums and forms used in contemporary art, including painting, sculpture, installation, performance, and video art.

5. Politics, Social Issues, and Contemporary Art- 6 lectures: Focuses on the influence of politics and social issues on contemporary art, examining how artists address topics like race, gender, sexuality, and globalization in their work.

6. The Future of Contemporary Art- 5 lectures: Considers the future of contemporary art and its potential for change, discussing new technologies, emerging artists, and the changing art world landscape.

In addition to the lectures, the course also includes reading materials, quizzes, and discussions to engage students and facilitate learning. The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of contemporary art and its relevance in society.

Reviews:

Based on student reviews, What Is Contemporary Art? is a highly engaging and informative course that provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary art and its relevance to society. Students appreciate the variety of learning materials provided, including lectures, readings, quizzes, and discussions, which allow them to engage with the material and deepen their understanding.

Additionally, many students praise the expertise of the instructor, Sophie Cavoulacos, and appreciate her insights and perspectives on contemporary art. The course is well-structured, and each module builds on the previous one, providing a cohesive and comprehensive learning experience.

Overall, What Is Contemporary Art? appears to be a well-received course on Coursera that is suitable for anyone interested in contemporary art. The course provides a broad overview of the field while also delving into specific topics related to contemporary art, including the art market, institutions, mediums, and politics.

At the time, the course has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on over 1,729 ratings.

What you'll learn:

After completing What Is Contemporary Art? by Sophie Cavoulacos on Coursera, students can gain a range of skills related to contemporary art, including:

1. Knowledge of contemporary art: Students will gain a broad understanding of contemporary art and its evolution, including its relationship with modern art, the role of institutions and the art market, and the various mediums and forms used in contemporary art.

2. Critical thinking: The course provides opportunities for students to analyze and interpret contemporary artworks critically, examining their cultural, social, and political contexts and evaluating their significance and impact.

3. Research skills: The course requires students to conduct research and engage with various resources, including readings, videos, and online forums, developing their ability to find and evaluate information.

4. Communication skills: The course includes various interactive elements, including online discussions and assignments, which help students develop their communication skills and express their ideas and opinions effectively.

5. Creativity: Students will be exposed to various creative processes and techniques used in contemporary art, allowing them to develop their own artistic skills and creativity.

Overall, What Is Contemporary Art? on Coursera provides students with a broad range of skills related to contemporary art, critical thinking, research, communication, and creativity, making it a valuable learning experience for anyone interested in the field.

Author:

Sophie Cavoulacos is a curator and writer based in New York City. She currently serves as the Senior Curator at the Hessel Museum of Art and the Center for Curatorial Studies at Bard College. Cavoulacos has curated numerous exhibitions, including the acclaimed "Adrian Piper: A Synthesis of Intuitions, 1965-2016" at the Museum of Modern Art in 2018, which received widespread critical acclaim.

Cavoulacos's expertise lies in contemporary art, particularly in conceptual and performance art. She has written extensively on these subjects, with her work appearing in numerous publications, including Artforum, Frieze, and Art in America.

Cavoulacos's curatorial work has been praised for its thoughtfulness, rigor, and engagement with contemporary issues. She is known for her commitment to highlighting underrepresented artists and for her innovative approach to exhibition-making. Her work often engages with complex social and political issues, examining the intersections between art and activism.

Overall, Cavoulacos's expertise and contributions to the contemporary art world are highly regarded. Her work as a curator and writer has had a significant impact on the field, shaping discourse and providing a platform for underrepresented voices. As an instructor for What Is Contemporary Art? on Coursera, Cavoulacos brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, providing students with a comprehensive and engaging introduction to contemporary art.

Requirements:

The requirements for What Is Contemporary Art? by Sophie Cavoulacos on Coursera include:

1. A computer or mobile device with internet access to access course materials and complete assignments.

2. An interest in contemporary art and a willingness to engage with and critically analyze artworks.

3. Basic reading and writing skills to complete readings, write responses to discussion prompts, and submit assignments.

4. An ability to watch videos and listen to audio recordings, as the course includes multimedia content.

5. A commitment to completing the course materials and assignments on time, as the course is self-paced and requires students to manage their own schedule.

Overall, the requirements for What Is Contemporary Art? are relatively straightforward and accessible, making it an ideal course for anyone interested in contemporary art, regardless of their background or experience in the field.