VA200 Contemporary Art Expression I


VA200 Contemporary Art Expression I

Syllabus   |  International University of Sarajevo  -  Last Update on Mar 03, 2026

Referencing Curricula

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Visual Arts and Visual Communications Design

Academic Year
2023 - 2024
Semester
Fall
Course Code
VA200
Weekly Hours
1 Teaching + 2 Practice
ECTS
6
Prerequisites
Teaching Mode Delivery
Prerequisite For
-
Teaching Mode Delivery Notes
-
Cycle
I Cycle
Prof. Jane Doe

Nejira Mulahmetović

Course Lecturer

Position
Assistant Professor
Phone
033 957 -
Assistant(s)
None
Assistant E-mail

Course Objectives

The aims of this course are to: • Develop necessary digital art and new media knowledge to understand the state of the field • Demonstrate ability to define, plan, and execute individual and collaborative digital art and new media research projects • Understand multiple forms of digital art and new media critique, be able to respond to and give critique productively • Employ professional communication practices in digital art and new media to make public contributions to the field

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1
Develop a varied array of new media skills, allowing them to clearly communicate concepts and create work relevant to contemporary culture. Utilize advanced role of visual communication and semiotics
2
Begin to understand the ways in which art, media, and culture affect each other and society
3
Develop visual critical thinking
4
Develop a critical vocabulary with which to describe and analyze new media in writing
5
Conceptualise, plan and execute an original and creative work of New Media art

Course Materials

Required Textbook

Christiane Paul, Digital Art, Third Edition, Thames & Hudson, New York, 2015

Additional Literature

Teaching Methods

Activity in debates
Presentations
Written assignment
Midterm paper
Final assignment
Self-evaluation.

Weekly Topics

This weekly planning is subject to change with advance notice.
Week Topic Readings / References
1 Introduction to the course, policies and course material FAQ, Course manual
2 "my life, today" presentations / discussions
3 Discussion: What is art? Christiane Paul, Digital Art, Third Edition, Thames & Hudson, New York, 2015
4 Technology as a tool New Media in Art 2005 by Michael Rush
5 Capstone: part one Envisioning Information, by Edward Tufte
6 Personal History / Public Experience Christiane Paul, Digital Art, Third Edition, Thames & Hudson, New York, 2015
7 Discussion: Exhibition New Media in Art 2005 by Michael Rush
8 MIDTERM SUBMISSION
9 A New Medium, Film video and animation Envisioning Information, by Edward Tufte
10 Technologies of Seeing—Images of/and Reality Universal Principles of Design, by Lidwell, Holden, and Butler
11 Capstone: part two Christiane Paul, Digital Art, Third Edition, Thames & Hudson, New York, 2015
12 Media and Memory Christiane Paul, Digital Art, Third Edition, Thames & Hudson, New York, 2015
13 "Seeing is believing" Christiane Paul, Digital Art, Third Edition, Thames & Hudson, New York, 2015
14 Dissemination and discussion of artwork New Media in Art 2005 by Michael Rush
15 Final Assignment / Final Exam / Final review of the course presentations / discussions

Course Schedule (All Sections)

Course Schedules with all sections will be available here soon.

Office Hours & Room

Course Office hours will be available here soon.

Assessment Methods and Criteria

Assessment Components

30%x1
Final Exam / Final Assignment
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes : 

10%x2
Attendance / Activity / Critique
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes : 

20%x2
Assignments / Presentations
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes : 

20%x2
Student Dissemination and Reviews
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes : 

20%x2
Midterm Paper
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes : 

IUS Grading System

Grading Scale IUS Grading System IUS Coeff. Letter (B&H) Numerical (B&H)
0 - 44 F 0 F 5
45 - 54 E 1
55 - 64 C 2 E 6
65 - 69 C+ 2.3 D 7
70 -74 B- 2.7
75 - 79 B 3 C 8
80 - 84 B+ 3.3
85 - 94 A- 3.7 B 9
95 - 100 A 4 A 10

Late Work Policy

Information about late submission policies will be shared during class and posted in this section. Please check back for official guidelines.

ECTS Credit Calculation

📚 Student Workload

This 6 ECTS credit course corresponds to 150 hours of total student workload, distributed as follows:

Lecture Hours

15 hours ⏳ (15 week × 1 h)

Assignments / Presentations

30 hours ⏳ (15 week × 2 h)

Attendance / Activity / Critique

15 hours ⏳ (15 week × 1 h)

Student Dissemination and Reviews

15 hours ⏳ (15 week × 1 h)

Midterm Paper

45 hours ⏳ (3 week × 15 h)

Final Assignment / Final Exam

30 hours ⏳ (3 week × 10 h)

150 Total Workload Hours

6 ECTS Credits


Course Policies

Academic Integrity

All work submitted must be your own. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action according to university policies. When in doubt about citation practices, consult the instructor.

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to adhere to the attendance requirements as outlined in the International University of Sarajevo Study Rules and Regulations. Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may impact academic performance and eligibility for assessment. Mandatory sessions (e.g., labs, workshops) require attendance unless formally exempted. For detailed policies on absences, documentation, and penalties, please refer to the official university regulations.

Technology & AI Policy

Laptops/tablets may be used for note-taking only during lectures. Phones should be silenced and put away during all class sessions. Audio/video recording requires prior permission from the instructor.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini) varies by assessment component. Please refer to the AI usage indicator next to each assessment item in the Assessment Methods and Criteria section above. Submitting AI-generated content as your own work, where AI is not explicitly allowed, constitutes an academic integrity violation.

Communication Policy

All course-related communication should occur through official university channels (institutional email or SIS). Emails should include [VA200] in the subject line.

Academic Quality Assurance Policy

Course Academic Quality Assurance is achieved through Semester Student Survey. At the end of each academic year, the institution of higher education is obliged to evaluate work of the academic staff, or the success of realization of the curricula.

More info

Learning Tips

Engage Actively

Be prepared to contribute thoughtfully during class discussions, labs, or collaborative work. Active participation deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking.

Read and Review Purposefully

Complete assigned readings or prep materials before class. Take notes, highlight key ideas, and jot down questions. Aim to grasp core concepts and their applications—not just facts.

Think Critically in Assignments

Use course frameworks or methodologies to analyze problems, case studies, or projects. Begin early to allow time for reflection and refinement. Seek feedback to improve your work.

Ask Questions Early

Don’t hesitate to reach out when something is unclear. Use office hours, discussion boards, or peer networks to clarify concepts and stay on track.

Syllabus Last Updated on Mar 03, 2026 | International University of Sarajevo

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