Courses
VART3336 Material Culture and Collections (3 units)
- Medium of Instruction:
- English
Materials are significant elements in our understanding of culture both in terms of our own identities and within the wider global contexts. This course will explore concepts and theories of material culture in reflecting upon the elements of culture, which surround and influence our daily lives. Examining the everyday context of material life through a variety of methods and theories, students will develop their skills of textual and visual analysis and be equipped with theoretical frameworks in examining objects within wider context of culture.
From objects of personal significance to national treasure, and from consumer good circulated in global markets to connoisseur's curios, the analysis of material culture seeks to question meaning, value and intention. Through the discussions of what objects mean to us, the course will further pose crucial questions evaluating the historical, cultural and social significance of objects. Contextualising the entangled relationship between people and material objects, and studying things both within and external to, environmental and cultural contexts, this course will engage students into critical debates of materials culture, and broaden their understanding of creating and creativity in contemporary society.
Drawing theories from Art History, Museology, and Anthropology, this course will include critical analysis of objects in a variety of forms and mediums, such as painting, textile, buildings, and heritage sites. Based within themes of context, the course will analyse issues of consumption, globalization, tourism, gender, tradition, value, belief, commerce and historical events. This course connects laterally across the disciplines of the AVA providing the theoretical context for practice and creativity.