Professor: Kate Mondloch
4 credits
This course introduces students to global contemporary art through one of its most influential and contested institutions—the Venice Biennale international art exhibition, sometimes called the “Olympics" of the art world. We begin with the Biennale itself, including its origins, how it works, and why it still draws so much attention more than a century after its founding in 1895. We then turn to the 2026 edition, In Minor Keys, curated by Koyo Kouoh.
Our central case studies are the Biennale’s national pavilions. Each student researches one pavilion in depth, and collectively we examine art from every region of the world. Because much of the Biennale is organized by nation, we also use it to examine cultural politics, tourism, national identity, globalization, and the legacies of colonialism.
Graduation Requirement: This class will fulfill an Arts and Letters Colloquium and Global Perspectives (GP) cultural literacy requirement. If a student already has completed an Arts and Letters Colloquium, this course will fulfill both of the following requirements: an Elective Colloquium and the Global Perspectives (GP) cultural literacy requirement.