Course Syllabus

Course: Art 399 Studio Research II Thursday 5:50 - 7:30 pm (1 hr 40 min) Prof. Jin Jung & Prof. Doris Caçoilo

Course Description:

This course offers an in-depth exploration of contemporary art through the lens of research-based social practice. Students will delve into current discourses in the art world, focusing on how art intersects with today’s social and cultural issues in our communities.

Throughout the course, we will develop skills in critical analysis and reflective writing about art, both historical and contemporary. Through class projects and assignments, students will engage in hands-on practice with creating and critiquing art, employing intentional decision-making and thoughtful critique.

A key component of the course is the final project, where students will research a social issue and collaborate with others to produce art that is both reflective and impactful. This project will emphasize artist’s responsibility and the role of art in addressing and engaging with current events.

Students are encouraged to actively participate in dialogues with peers, sharing insights and perspectives on the art we study and create. This course is designed for those interested in exploring the dynamic relationship between art and social change, and it aims to foster a deeper understanding of art’s potential to effect meaningful change in society.

Course Objectives:

  • Understand works of art and design as they relate to material and visual culture.

  • Engage in critical assessment of artwork.

  • Understand art as a social practice within the local, regional, and global community. 

  • Pursue an independent line of studio inquiry and research.

  • Integrate knowledge of art criticism and theory with a personal visual art practice. 

  • Maintain a significant level of engagement with their field of professional practice.

Course Format: This course will include lectures, discussions, peer-to-peer engagement, hands-on projects, and community-based activities. Active participation in class discussions and peer interactions is essential. Detailed descriptions of weekly readings, assignments, and class discussion topics will be posted online. 

Requirements: 

  • Class Participation & Attendance will account for 25% of the final grade, based on contributions to class discussions, peer engagement, and attendance. 

    • Attendance is mandatory. Please silence your cell phone at the beginning of class and our collective learning environment will benefit. No sending or receiving texts during class. 

      • Recent studies found that university students who engaged in text messaging during a class demonstrated significantly poorer academic performance compared with the group that did not send and receive text messages. The students who frequently text message during class have difficulty staying attentive to classroom instruction and as a result exhibit poor learning outcomes and lower grades. A different study found that it takes 23 minutes to refocus after a distraction. There is much evidence that shows that phones cause distractions and prevent getting into a creative “flow” state. A learning and creative environment requires sustained focused attention. Watch segment of Ted talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/mihaly_csikszentmihalyi_flow_the_secret_to_happiness?language=en 

    • Participation: See Reading Assignments & Double Entry Notebook below for more details.

  • Assignments: All assignments must be completed and turned in on time to receive a passing grade for this course. Assignments will account for 25% of the final grade.

    • There are:

      • Posting, reading, and watching assignments that are due almost weekly. The details will be posted online at least one week before their due dates. 

      • Two writing assignments: art review (due 10/2), and artist statement (due 11/20).

      • Class readings will be shared and linked to online resources at least one week before class. All readings are mandatory unless otherwise specified. Students are expected to participate in class discussions about the readings at the beginning of each class.

      • Double Entry Notebook for READINGS

        • Before you start reading, draw one line down your paper, dividing it into two sections. As you read the text, on the left-hand side of the paper write down one or two ideas, expressions, or sentences that strike you from each page of the reading. In the second column write your responses and reactions (thoughts, feelings, associations, questions, confusions, connections ...) to what you put on the left side.

        • In class we will discuss what you wrote about the reading and the similarities and differences in your interpretations.

  • Final Project: 50% of the final grade will be based on the final project.

    • There are:

      • Three chances to present your project: Project Proposal Presentation (9/18), mid-review (10/16-23), and final review (12/4-18).

Weekly Topics & Assignments:


Week #

Class date

Topics

Writing Assignments & Project Presentation deadlines


*Weekly reading assignments will be announced in class and details will be posted online

Week 1

September 4, 2025

Contemporary Art:

Why is this art?


Week 2

September 11, 2025

Role of an artist:

What are our responsibilities as an artist in today’s society?


Week 3

September 18, 2025

Social Practice: What does it mean to make work in collaboration with the public?

  • Project Proposal Presentation (due 9/18): Peer-to-peer presentation of the project work-in-progress

Week 4

September 25, 2025

Art Interventions 


Intro to Reading & Writing about Art


Week 5

October 2, 2025

Art-based research


  • Writing assignment (due 10/2): Art review

Week 6

October 9, 2025

Process-based artmaking: What suits the situation best?




Week 7

October 16, 2025

Project Mid-Review

Group 1 & 2

  • Presentation (due 10/16): Work-in-Progress Project mid-review

(3 min PowerPoint presentation)

Week 8

October 23, 2025


Project Mid-Review

Group 2 & 3

  • Presentation (due 10/16): Work-in-Progress Project mid-review

(3 min PowerPoint presentation)

Week 9

October 30, 2025

Researching precedents:

Who are some other artists who have done something similar? What can we learn from them?


Week 10

November 6, 2025


Site-specific art


Week 11

November 13, 2025

Visiting Artist


Week 12

November 20, 2025

Permissions and other stakeholders


Handling: Care for others


Institutional Critique: Ways to address the inequality

  • Writing assignment (due 11/20): Artist statement

NO CLASS

November 27, 2025

Thanksgiving break


Week 13

December 4, 2025

Project Presentation Group 1

  • Group 1 final review

Week 14

December 11, 2025

Project Presentation Group 2

  • Group 2 final review

Week 15

December 18, 2025

Project Presentation Group 3

  • Group 3 final review


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