MEST4111 Art in Context: Aesthetics Course description

This course elucidates relevant theory and concepts for both the interdisciplinary and specific art fields. The course presents concepts that are important in contemporary international aesthetic fields through theory and examples including contemporary expressions in art, design, craft, dramatic art, applied theatre, fashion and performance, as well as recent artistic research and scholarly research. The students will choose a specialisation in one of three areas. Contemporary practices and theoretical perspectives on:Art, design and architecture; Performance and applied theatre; or Art, design, science and technology.

The course covers documentation, selection and analyses of relevant examples in the student’s own field of interest, as well as interdisciplinary cooperation.

No requirements over and above the admission requirements.

Knowledge

The student:

• has broad knowledge of theoretical perspectives on the interdisciplinary aesthetic field
• has in-depth knowledge of recent international aesthetic theory and practice in specific fields
• has broad knowledge of relevant forms of reference and documentation

Skills

The student:

• is capable of analysing relevant theories in the field and working independently with practical and theoretical problem-solving
• is capable of reflecting on diversity and different ethical perspectives in the aesthetic field
• is capable of assessing and critically reflecting on the influence of technology in the aesthetic field
• is capable of selecting, analysing and discussing relevant contemporary works in the international and Nordic aesthetic field

Competence

The student:

• is capable of communicating with various target groups about research questions, analyses and positions in the interdisciplinary aesthetic field

The course provides a joint introduction to relevant art theories and perspectives on ethics and diversity for an interdisciplinary aesthetic field. The student will then choose to specialise in one of three areas:

Contemporary practices and theoretical perspectives on:

• Art, design and architecture.
• Performance and applied theatre.
• Art, design, science and technology.

Teaching consists of lectures, workshops, seminars and group assignments. Students will prepare for the exam by reading the required literature, seeking out relevant work and participating in teaching activities and group work.

The following coursework is compulsory and must be approved before the student can take the exam:

· Minimum 80% attendance in compulsory teaching activities

· individual presentation for fellow students and lecturers in an R&D seminar

Individual written home exam over one week. Scope: 3000-4500 Words.

Two internal examiners. External examiners are used regularly.

The exam grade can be appealed.

All.

Information and communications technology (ICT) is conceived as the primary facilitator and driving force of most globalisation processes. As the world changes, so the field of ICT itself seeks out more nuanced definitions of culture and new methodologies for exploring, understanding and analysing them. As such, this course will give in-depth insight and knowledge into cultural differences and dimensions involving ICTs and will provide the students with the necessary knowledge and competencies such as cross-cultural collaboration, new thinking, knowledge-sharing and innovation processes to communicate, collaborate and resolve conflicts, now and in the future.

No formal requirements over and above the admission requirements.

A student who has completed this course should have the following learning outcomes, defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

On successful completion of this course the student has:

• advanced knowledge of cultural differences and dimensions related to data privacy, data security, information security, cybersecurity, and universal design
• advanced knowledge of how the world changes constantly and how these changes can develop new methodologies for exploring, understanding, and analyzing cultural differences and dimensions
• advanced knowledge of technology, best practices and development processes for information and communications technology (ICT) solutions
• advanced knowledge of analysing the cultural conditions and perspectives that lead to communication gaps and digital divides.

Skills

On successful completion of this course the student can:

• carry out necessary analysis and testing across cultures
• design culturally neutral prototypes
• use knowledge of different cultures and group dynamics to communicate, collaborate and resolve conflicts, now and in the future
• act objectively when carrying out evaluations and have knowledge about their own impact on processes and results.

General competence

On successful completion of this course the student can:

• analyse and understand academic, professional and ethical issues related to accessibility in diverse cultures
• apply knowledge and skills in data privacy, data security, information security, cybersecurity and universal design of information and communications technology (ICT) to solve accessibility challenges in diverse cultures
• provide comprehensive independent study and master expressions and terms in the field
• contribute to cross-cultural collaboration, new thinking, knowledge-sharing and innovation processes.