This course examines different genres of writing on the visual arts, with an emphasis on contemporary practices. Newspaper reviews, journal criticism, scholarly catalogue essays, in house catalogue notes, coffee table art books and collaborative works between artists and writers are studied in terms of their connections to other genres of writing (for example journalese, fictional narrative, descriptive prose). The course looks at these writings within specific cultural fields and their assumed sets of values. It also demonstrates how such categories play an active role in the shaping and production of meanings in art. Students also become participants in the writing, editing and design of the School of Art Theory's magazine, Artwrite.