Welcome to Modern Art & Ideas! This course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about modern and contemporary art. Over the next five weeks, you will look at art through a variety of themes: Places & Spaces, Art & Identity, Transforming Everyday Objects, and Art & Society. Each week kicks off with a video that connects works of art from The Museum of Modern Art’s collection to the theme. You will hear audio interviews with artists, designers, and curators and learn more about selected works in the additional readings and resources.
Offered By
Modern Art & Ideas
The Museum of Modern Art
About this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
32%
started a new career after completing these courses
30%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
12%
got a pay increase or promotion
Skills you will gain
CreativityArtHistoryArt HistoryArt Direction
Learner Career Outcomes
32%
started a new career after completing these courses
30%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
12%
got a pay increase or promotion
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 12 hours to complete
Suggested: 5 weeks of study, 2 hours per week
English
Subtitles: Greek, Italian, German, Russian, English
Offered by
The Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art is a place that fuels creativity, ignites minds, and provides inspiration. With extraordinary exhibitions and the world's finest collection of modern and contemporary art, MoMA is dedicated to the conversation between the past and the present, the established and the experimental. Our mission is helping you understand, enjoy, and use the art of our time.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
1 hour to complete
Module 1: Introduction to Modern Art & Ideas
Be introduced to some of the overall benefits of studying modern and contemporary art through accessible and relevant themes.
1 hour to complete
1 video (Total 1 min), 5 readings
1 video
5 readings
Welcome to the Course!10m
What is Modern Art?10m
Suggestions for Making the Most of the Course10m
Resources: MoMA podcasts, art vocabulary, Magazine, and YouTube channel10m
Tell Us About You10m
3 hours to complete
Module 2: Places & Spaces
Discover some of the many ways that artists represent place and take inspiration from their environment.
3 hours to complete
12 videos (Total 26 min), 4 readings, 2 quizzes
12 videos
Vincent van Gogh. The Starry Night. 18892m
Piet Mondrian. Broadway Boogie Woogie. 1942–431m
Gordon Matta-Clark. Bingo. 19741m
Norman Lewis. City Night. 19492m
Andrew Wyeth. Christina's World. 19481m
Salvador Dalí. The Persistence of Memory. 19311m
Claude Monet. Water Lilies. 1914–261m
Rachel Whiteread. Water Tower. 19982m
Edward Hopper. House By the Railroad. 19251m
Louis I. Kahn. Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (Study for National Assembly Building). 1962–832m
Zarina. Home is a Foreign Place.19992m
4 readings
Introduction to Places & Spaces10m
Slideshow20m
In Depth: Bernd & Hilla Becher30m
Optional Readings & Resources10m
2 practice exercises
Practice Quiz20m
Weekly Reflection30m
2 hours to complete
Module 3: Art & Identity
See how artists create works of art to express, explore, and question identity.
2 hours to complete
8 videos (Total 19 min), 5 readings, 2 quizzes
8 videos
Frida Kahlo. Self-Portait with Cropped Hair. 19402m
Andy Warhol. Gold Marilyn Monroe. 19621m
Pablo Picasso. Girl before a Mirror. 19322m
Marc Chagall. I and the Village. 19112m
Henri Matisse. The Red Studio. 19112m
Rineke Dijkstra. Almerisa series. 1994–20081m
Kara Walker. 40 Acres of Mules. 20152m
5 readings
Introduction to Art & Identity10m
Slideshow20m
In Depth: Frida Kahlo and Ellen Gallagher10m
Optional Readings & Resources10m
Mid-course survey5m
2 practice exercises
Practice Quiz30m
Weekly Reflection30m
2 hours to complete
Module 4: Transforming Everyday Objects
Discover how artists use everyday objects to challenge assumptions about what constitutes art and how it should be made. Explore a variety of artistic and design choices, and the creative acts of inventing and transforming everyday objects.
2 hours to complete
10 videos (Total 21 min), 4 readings, 2 quizzes
10 videos
Marcel Duchamp. Bicycle Wheel. 19132m
Robert Rauschenberg. Bed. 19551m
Meret Oppenheim. Object. 19362m
Décolletage Plastique Design Team. Bic Cristal® Ballpoint pen. 19502m
Louise Nevelson. Sky Cathedral. 19581m
Mike Kelley. Untitled. 19902m
Jessica Rosenkrantz, Jesse Louis-Rosenberg. Kinematics Dress. 20131m
Doris Salcedo. Atrabilious. 1992–931m
Betye Saar. Black Girl's Window. 19691m
4 readings
Introduction to Transforming Everyday Objects10m
Slideshow20m
In Depth: Design Objects & Marcel Duchamp10m
Optional Readings & Resources10m
2 practice exercises
Practice Quiz30m
Weekly Reflection30m
Reviews
4.7
TOP REVIEWS FROM MODERN ART & IDEAS
by AMJan 14, 2018
It has been a very wonderful course. I love the museum as a cultural space and now I love it more for its commitment to online education and giving us the opportunity to learn in different countries.
by AVOct 10, 2016
I really enjoyed this course and the way art was discussed based on theme rather than chronologically. My only issues with the class were the frustrations with the quizzes being graded incorrectly.
by KKOct 16, 2015
I enjoyed this course, but am still trying to catch up on the reading! :) I would have loved to see a few more weeks, with perhaps longer and more in-depth videos and more themes and examples. I
by FSDec 20, 2019
This course is like a revelation to me. There is so much thing I did not know about critical thinking especially through art. Very recommended to anyone who ever thought art is a trivial thing.
by DPMar 11, 2017
What a genuinely refreshing course that really caught me attention. Well done to the team behind this course as I am more interested in modern art after completing this course than ever before.
by PYOct 31, 2018
The whole program was very well organized, and I liked how the themes were not in chronological order. All the narration and artists’ talk were interesting and highly informative. Thanks!
by YBSep 17, 2017
Before this course, I've read/watched a lot materials of MoMA. This course divided modern art by its perspective, which gives me more things to think about. Those readings are awesome!
by STJun 5, 2019
As a self-taught Syrian artist this course was a critical opportunity for me to learn about modern art. It has definitely expanded my artistic thinking and creativity to new horizons.
by AAOct 15, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this class and felt like the information was presented in an easy way to both understand and retain. It was a course that I needed right now! Super appreciative.
by JSNov 10, 2019
I wasn't sure what to expect from this course. It served a a good introductory course and I'd like to see more courses that delve sections of it and focus on that particular content.
by AFFeb 6, 2019
I've loved taking part in this course, learning in a flexible way and sharing with a fun community from all around the world. Thank you very much for this incredible opportunity!
by RBMar 30, 2016
Wonderful course! I would recommended to anyone who enjoys any form of art. This course invites us to think critically, creatively and mindfully about the world surrounding us.
by LYDec 30, 2018
Great beginner's course to learn about Modern Art. The readings are slightly more in depth but not too tough. It has definitely changed how I will appreciate art in museums!
by GPNov 6, 2016
It would be nice to have a written assignment at the end of each module. I really enjoyed the course and the final assignment. Your resources and your website are excellent
by GEFeb 19, 2020
I found the course interesting and informative. I didn't like all of the individual art pieces or connect with them but overall, the ideas presented was helpful. Thank you.
by ETAug 28, 2017
Loved this course, well-organized, full of interesting material, engaging. Will continue to enroll in MoMA courses, I've completed two so far and they have been wonderful.
by SIApr 25, 2017
This course helped me to understand modern art. I have learned about renowned modern artists, their works, and ideas. Thanks MoMA and coursera for offering such a course.
by KLDec 17, 2019
I have learned so much and it gives ample time to finish the work. Even if you’re a bit late, it is forgiving and you get to be quizzed! It helps the mind retain better.
by DDDec 28, 2018
Great class! Don't consider myself a Modern Art fan (still don't) but this class opened up some biases and gained a new perspective on the genre. Recommend this course.
by BKMar 26, 2018
I love all the MOMA courses! They are balanced and informative. They provide me with invaluable information that I can use with my students in my visual arts classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
