Art, Culture and Society (EN)

Course goals

After completing the course, the student can:

1. as part of a group assignment, conduct a discourse analysis of a cultural organisation, artist or artwork and the way in which discourses permeate art and cultural practice;
2. reflect on the themes of the course and on their own learning process.

After completing this course, the student has:

1. acquired knowledge of some common concepts and approaches within research on the relationship between art, culture and society, with a focus on discourse and discursive thinking;
2. acquired basic knowledge of Dutch art and cultural policy.

Content

This academic context course aims to provide insight into the academic and societal debates surrounding three core concepts: art, culture, and society. The course offers methodological tools for researching these concepts and the potential tensions between them. In a series of lectures, various discursive layers are discussed using examples from literature and case studies: we examine academic debates, policy discussions, and public debates related to a specific (cultural) theme. During the seminars, students work in groups on a discourse analysis of a self-chosen case, connecting theory and practice through a series of assignments.

Discourse and discursive practices
Throughout the course, we work with the notions of discourse and discursive practices: the idea that concepts such as art and culture derive their meaning from the ways in which they are used within specific contexts. We reflect on how art and culture are discussed, deepening our understanding of the actions of cultural institutions and the academic disciplines that study them. At the same time, we also address broader conceptions of culture. Attention is given to institutions such as libraries, theatres, cinemas, and museums, but also to practices such as community art, socio-cultural centres, underground and urban theatre. Where possible and relevant, we also explore Dutch arts and culture policy, together with key organisations active in this field.

Additional information

Priority rules
This course has priority rules and a waiting list. Your enrolment is guaranteed if you
- are a student in the BA Media and Culture and this course is part of your major 
- are an exchange student and meet the course’s entry requirements
In all other situations, you will be placed on a waiting list if you enrol in this course. For any remaining slots in the course, lots are drawn among the students on the waiting list.