Course Code: FFAR 250
Course Name: FFAR 250 – Issues in the contemporary visual and performing arts
Professor: Robert Gifford
Tutorial Instructor: Yvette Poorter
Credits: 6
Semester: Fall/Winter 2001/2002
Course Description: The course will provide a wide ranging introduction to the visual and performing arts in the contemporary world. Given the huge scope of the topic, our discussion will necessarily be selective. Several unifying themes will help to provide continuity as we explore.
Emphasis will be placed on the interrelationships that have always existed among the arts, and the ways in which the past continues to influence the present. Contemporary art is not created in a vacuum and is often connected to what has come before.
The unique characteristics, and challenges, of the performing arts will be discussed. Since the performing arts must be “re-created” each time they are produced, continual opportunities are provided for fresh approaches and alternative interpretations. We will also explore the significant influence of popular culture, the media, and commerce on both art production and consumption.
We will be concerned with the impact of technology on the arts, and the ways in which technological innovation has provided the stimulus for new art forms, and new worlds of artistic experimentation and development.
Much attention will be given to the contemporary arts in Canada, and the institutions that present, safeguard and interpret the arts. We will view Canadian art in the context of multi-culturalism, and ever increasing cross-cultural awarenesses.
Artist Comments: In general, I was very disappointed with this lecture portion of this course. Initially it was interesting but in my opinion it diverted significantly from the course description. In the end, it appeared to be only an opportunity for the professor to present his unique view of the issues in contemporary visual and performing arts. The guest lecturers were great and my tutorial instructor helped me enormously with my essay writing skills. Thanks Yvette for all of your time and effort. This was my first essay writing course after more than 20 years. It was a struggle at first but well worth it!