The culture and imagery of cities
L Astbury
10 points * 2 hours per week * First semester * Clayton
The subject will study the nature and role of the image of the city from first settlement together with the development of city architecture from the colonial period to federation. The role of art institutions and the formation of nineteenth-century Australian taste will be studied with reference to the foundation of the National Gallery of Victoria, significant private collections and the establishment of academies, schools of design and art societies, as well as colonial gardens and cemeteries. The growth of culture in a city is thus viewed against patterns of patronage and collecting and the institutionalisation of taste.
Assessment
First seminar paper (2000 words): 25% * Second seminar paper (2000 words): 35% * Essay (3500 words): 40%
Preliminary reading
Bourdieu P Distinction: A social critique of the judgement of taste Routledge, 1984
Cox L The National Gallery of Victoria 1861-1968: A search for a collection NGV, 1970
Stratham P (ed.) The origins of Australia's capital cities CUP, 1989