Program Overview

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METHODOLOGIES FOR THE STUDY OF CONTEMPORARY ART

Course Details

• Code: 65058
• Academic Year: 2025/2026
• Credits:
  • 6 cfu anno 1 LETTERATURE MODERNE E SPETTACOLO 11961 (LM-14) - GENOVA
  • 6 cfu anno 1 METODOLOGIE FILOSOFICHE 11868 (LM-78 R) - GENOVA
  • 6 cfu anno 1 STORIA DELL'ARTE E VALORIZZAZ. PATRIMONIO ARTISTICO 11869 (LM-89 R) - GENOVA
• Scientific Disciplinary Sector: L-ART/03
• Language: Italian
• Teaching Location: GENOVA
• Semester: 2° Semester
• Modules: This course is a module of CONTEMPORARY ART
• Teaching Materials: AULAWEB

OVERVIEW

The course tackles issues of methods for the study of contemporary art with particular attention to research from recent decades and to the contextual development of the art system. Critics, artists, and scholars of the sector will be involved in the course. Theoretical reflection will be complemented by the workshop Exhibition practices and market strategies for contemporary art, which enables gaining 1 cfu - Other activities.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By addressing general issues and specific themes in relation to 20th century and present day art, the teaching aims to give students the necessary methodological tools to conduct specialised studies in the field of contemporary art.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide students with the necessary notions and methodological tools to correctly analyze and understand the complex phenomenology of 20th century and contemporary art. The phenomenologies of contemporary works will also be taken into account, as well as the current development lines of artistic research, and the logics governing the so-called 'contemporary art system'.

At the end of the course, the student must be able to:

• Illustrate, in a precise way and with a proper vocabulary, the developments of 20th and 21st century art, and critically interpret the art works in relation to their historical and cultural context
• Demonstrate an understanding of the methodological problems to orientate ourselves between the contemporary art historical evolution and the current aesthetic pluralism
• Construct paths of meaning, both thematically and problematically, between the various artistic currents
• Present a written paper, demonstrating the ability to select suitable themes and problems for an in-depth study

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures are supported by multimedia materials and are designed to encourage discussions on the topics addressed. Meetings with artists and specialists in the field are planned. Classes are held in presence, and attendance, although not compulsory, is recommended. No remote learning is available for this course.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Methodologies for the study of contemporary art, with particular attention to the last decades' artistic research. Thematic focus: Active Memories: Archives in Contemporary Art. Artistic Strategies and Research Approaches. The program is addressed to both attending and non-attending students. The course will be complemented by the workshop Exhibition Practices and market strategies for contemporary art.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Methodological problems for the study of contemporary art: E. CRISPOLTI, Come studiare l'arte contemporanea, Donzelli, Roma 2010.
• Active Memories: Archives in Contemporary Art. Artistic Strategies and Research Approaches: Bibliographic details will be provided.
• Non attending students: K. HONNEF, Definizioni critiche dell'arte contemporanea, in V. Terraroli (a cura di), L'Arte del XX secolo. 2000 e oltre. Tendenze della contemporaneità, Skira, Milano, 2010, pp. 141-149. W. GUADAGNINI, Mercato dell'arte e nuove forme di collezionismo, in V. Terraroli (a cura di), L'Arte del XX secolo. 2000 e oltre. Tendenze della contemporaneità, Skira, Milano, 2010, pp. 293-299.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

• PAOLA VALENTI
• Exam Board: PAOLA VALENTI (President), ALESSANDRO FERRARO (President Substitute), LUDOVICO BALDELLI (Substitute), STELLA CATTANEO (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

February 2026

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available.

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral Exam

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The examination will take place in oral form; an in-depth study will be required, to be presented at the examination in the form of a thesis accompanied by images, notes, and specific bibliographical indications, on a topic dealt with in the course.

Exam schedule

• Data appello: 16/12/2025, 20/01/2026, 03/02/2026, 09/06/2026, 30/06/2026, 15/07/2026, 09/09/2026
• Orario: 09:30
• Luogo: GENOVA
• Degree type: Orale

FURTHER INFORMATION

The paper must be sent by e-mail to the lecturer and assistants at least 10 days before the date on which you intend to sit the exam and must then be submitted to the roll call in paper form.

Students with disabilities or learning disorders are entitled to specific adjustments, provided they upload the relevant certifications and documents. At least 7 days before the exam, students will have to email the instructor with the required information. The final decision on what adjustments are acceptable rests with the instructor.