Tradition and Transformation in Contemporary Art

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
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Area/Catalogue
VISU 3004
Course ID icon
Course ID
200887
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Campus
Adelaide City Campus East, Adelaide City Campus West, Magill
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Humanities
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Course level
3
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes

Course overview

This course aims to equip students with an understanding of the complexities of contemporary art practice at the juncture of tradition and rapid social, cultural, and technological transformation. It will examine concepts and themes in the theory and practice of art, from materiality and environmental practice to the impact of digital technologies and the significance of Indigenous art and decolonial strategies. The course will engage critically with the politics of racial, gender, and sexual identities in art, the influence of international exhibitions, and the roles played by artists, curators, and critics in shaping regional and global cultural landscapes.

Course learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate thorough knowledge of key themes, issues and theoretical frameworks relevant to the practice or analysis of contemporary art and visual culture
  • Apply interpretative or analytical frameworks and make meaningful connections between relevant theories and examples of contemporary art and visual culture
  • Apply a critical approach to the analysis, discussion and contextualisation of art and visual culture
  • Demonstrate advanced academic writing and/or oral presentation skills appropriate for further research in the fields of art and visual culture

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A

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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.