Contemporary Art: An Introduction



Overview

Contemporary Art offers an introduction to artistic practices of the 20th and 21st centuries and aims to familiarise students with key themes, methods and movements in contemporary art history. We will examine pioneering artists such as Haegue Yang, Marina Abramović, Zanele Muholi and Félix González-Torres, explore a broad range of media from photography, video and sculpture to installation, performance and artistic interventions, and address current debates in the field in an accessible and engaging way.

The course adopts a thematic approach to demonstrate the multiple ways to think about contemporary art. Contemporaneity, globalism, time, queerness and activism are some of the key critical terms that will inform our sessions. Through a blend of lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities, we will unpack each of these terms and reflect on how they enrich and challenge our understanding of contemporary art. What do we mean when we talk about the contemporary? Is a truly global art history possible or even desirable? What notions of time does contemporary art express? How do gender, sex and sexuality inform our perception of artworks? And in what ways can artistic practices drive positive social change? By the end of the course, students will be equipped with a set of theoretical and analytical tools that enable a critical understanding of contemporary art from a global perspective.

This course is open to all students and requires no prior knowledge of contemporary art.

Programme details

Course starts: 4 Nov 2025

Week 1: Introduction: What do we mean by contemporary art?

Week 2: Globalism: Is a global art history possible or desirable?

Week 3: Time: What notions of time does contemporary art express?

Week 4: Queer: What’s queer about contemporary art?

Week 5: Activism: Can art drive positive social change?  

Certification

Digital badge

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add your badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.

Fees

Description Costs
Course fee £180.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Mr Maximilian Langefeld

Maximilian Langefeld is a DPhil Candidate in History of Art at the University of Oxford, where he researches queer art and visual activism in China and the Chinese diaspora. His broader area of interest encompasses transcultural currents, decolonial approaches and curatorial practices, among others. Maximilian holds degrees in Contemporary Art & Art Theory (SOAS, University of London) and East Asian Studies (Heidelberg University) and previously worked at Sotheby’s in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. His current research is generously supported by the German Academic Scholarship Foundation and the University of Oxford.

Course aims

This course will enable students:

  • to gain familiarity with a range of artists, artworks and exhibitions that are considered seminal to the development of contemporary art.
  • to explore key theoretical and analytical approaches in the study of contemporary art.
  • to improve their ability to express reasoned and critical analyses of works of art using a variety of methods and sources.
  • to communicate their own ideas about the art of the period and widen their viewpoint through discussions with other students.

Teaching methods

The course will be taught using short, illustrated lectures coupled with tutor-led interactive discussions and independent/group work in class. Handouts summarising key terms and concepts will be provided.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students will:

  • have gained a critical understanding of the breadth and diversity of contemporary art.
  • have developed skills in visual analysis and looking at art objects in detail.
  • be able to apply key theoretical concepts when analysing works of art.
  • be able to discuss seminal artists, artworks and exhibitions in the contemporary art scene.
  • be able to identify social, political and cultural factors that make contemporary art unique in its global/local context.

Assessment methods

This course is non-accredited, so there are no assessments.

Application

Please use the 'Book now' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an Enrolment form for short courses | Oxford University Department for Continuing Education

Level and demands

The Department's Weekly Classes are taught at first year undergraduate level. No previous knowledge of contemporary art is required.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support