STUDY PROGRAMME
Contemporary Arts Markets

AFAM CODE
ABVPA63

DISCIPLINARY AREA
Museum studies

DISCIPLINARY FIELD
Museum studies and history of collections

CREDITS
8

APPROACH
Theoretical

In the aftermath of the Second World War, throughout Europe, one of the most discussed topics is the re-construction of buildings for cultural purposes. The rapid re-opening of museums soon follows the phase of necessary residential rebuilding: the example of Milan is among the most important ones. Large urban areas, seriously damaged by the conflict, are gradually re-conceptualised from a cultural point of view. In this scenario, Museums take on the role of highly relevant public spaces and ideal instruments for a broader process of education, gaining greater awareness of their role within the public sphere. Starting from the 19th Century’s legacy and from the early 20th Century’s context, through the important phase of reconstruction (after World War II) until the ‘70s, the course carries out a survey on some case studies related to the city of Milan, in order to analyse its cultural and institutional framework. Through cross-discipline readings and thematic analysis, in addition to the materials related to individual museum institutions, the students will study the most important figures of the national art scene.

The programme consists of one single module, which grants 8 CFA credits.

Successful students will be able to:

• Develop and demonstrate visual and analytic familiarity with significant art movements, as well as with key artist figures and ideas of the Italian art in the 20th Century

• Understand and recognize the underlying roles of the economic systems and politics in both the creation and the reception of art

• Engage in independent exploration of an original issue, or a specific artist or work of art in terms of role and relevance within the major cultural framework

• The Museum institution in the 19th and 20th Century

• The re-opening of museums after the Second World War

• The figure of the museum director and curator

• Case studies related to the city of Milan’s museums

This is a theoretical course. Didactic activities may include:

• Classroom lectures

• Use of tutorials, videos or other media tools for detailed study

• Active participation to classes through debates and presentations

• Individual study and research

• Field trips

Assessment is based on the overall competence of the students and may include:

• Oral exam

• Written exam

• Submission of papers, projects or research work

The final mark for the course is determined on the basis of a number of contributory marks. It will result from the weighted average mark for the different assignments (class discussion, group discussion and final project).

Further details on specific tests can be provided by the professor during the course. Assessment criteria include commitment, active participation and personal growth of the students over the course.

Further bibliographic recommendations may be provided by the professor during the course. A lot of the referenced material, together with other in-depth study material, can be consulted online in MyNaba, in the Library section.