Writing about Arts and Culture

Description

This course is an introduction to arts writing, art reviews/criticism and more general cultural journalism while taking advantage of the rich cultural life of Prague. Though there will be a focus on the Prague contemporary art scene, music journalism will be explored, and students will also be able to discover the literary and experimental theatre scene, as well as take advantage of the countless festivals in the city, particularly for contemporary art or feature and documentary films. An understanding and appreciation of the role of cultural organizations and institutions will be emphasized, and so students will have the opportunity to meet with representatives of cultural organizations, as well as artists, musicians, directors, writers and publishers. Field trips to galleries, museum exhibits and other cultural events in Prague will be an integral component of the course. This activity will be combined with discussions of writings by critics and reviewers, curatorial texts and artists themselves.

Learning Outcomes

Write with more authority and confidence about art exhibits, music or other cultural themes for the general public, and not only relevant to contemporary Prague Understand the practical and professional skills necessary to not only write but publish essays, reviews, and interviews for cultural sections of actual publications Be familiar with seminal and contemporary cultural critics and their respective publishers (in newsprint, magazines and books or websites) More knowledgeable about the vast areas of art and culture (historical and contemporary) in the context of post-Communist Prague Be familiar with seminal and contemporary artists or musicians who are also writers