VA506 Modernity and Modern Art


VA506 Modernity and Modern Art

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
2025 - 2026
Semester
Spring
Course Code
VA506
Weekly Hours
3 Teaching + 0 Practice
ECTS
6
Prerequisites
None
Teaching Mode Delivery
Face-to-face
Prerequisite For
-
Teaching Mode Delivery Notes
-
Cycle
II Cycle
Prof. Jane Doe

TBA

Course Lecturer

Position
-
Phone
033 957 -
Assistant(s)
-
Assistant E-mail

Course Objectives

The course aims to: 1. Examine modernity as a transformative condition within artistic practice rather than solely as a historical period. 2. Investigate the shift from object-based art to conceptual, performative, spatial, and media-based practices. 3. Analyze major developments in post-1945 modernism and postmodernism. 4. Explore how contemporary art redefines medium, materiality, authorship, and spectatorship. 5. Develop students’ theoretical and analytical vocabulary for discussing modern and contemporary art.

Learning Outcomes

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

1
Explain modernity as an evolving artistic paradigm within 20th and 21st century art.
2
Identify and contextualize key movements including Minimalism, Conceptual Art, Performance Art, Video Art, Installation Art, and Postmodern practices.
3
Analyze artworks using formal, conceptual, and theoretical frameworks.
4
Critically assess the transition from material object to dematerialized, time-based, and spatial practices.
5
Construct coherent written and oral arguments about modern and contemporary art.
6
Evaluate the changing role of the artist, the artwork, and the spectator in late modern and postmodern art.

Course Materials

Required Textbook

• Foster, Hal et al. Art Since 1900: Modernism, Antimodernism, Postmodernism. • Lippard, Lucy. Six Years: The Dematerialization of the Art Object.

Additional Literature
• Bishop, Claire. Installation Art: A Critical History. • Goldberg, RoseLee. Performance Art: From Futurism to the Present. • Krauss, Rosalind. Passages in Modern Sculpture. • Bourriaud, Nicolas. Relational Aesthetics.

Teaching Methods

• Lectures • Analysis of artworks / in-class analytical exercises • Critical discussions • Student presentations • Organized visits to exhibitions

Weekly Topics

This weekly planning is subject to change with advance notice.
Week Topic Readings / References
1 What Is Modernity in Art?
2 Duchamp and the End of the Traditional Object
3 Modernist Formalism
4 Pop Art & Media Culture
5 Minimalism & Objecthood
6 Conceptual Art
7 Joseph Beuys & Social Sculpture
8 Performance & The Body
9 Fluxus & Event
10 Video Art
11 Installation & Spatial Experience
12 Postmodern Strategies
13 Institutional Critique & the Art System
14 Expanded Sculpture & Contemporary Hybridity
15 /

Course Schedule (All Sections)

SectionTypeDay 1Venue 1Day 2Venue 2
VA506.1 Course Wednesday 17:00 - 20:50 B F1.24 (MAC Studio) - -

Office Hours & Room

Course Office hours will be available here soon.

Assessment Methods and Criteria

Assessment Components

100%x1
Final Exam
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes :  1

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:

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 [VA506] 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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