This module introduces key theoretical concepts pertinent to contemporary art and visual culture as a field of interdisciplinary enquiry. It also investigates a host of critical perspectives on the social and historical specificities of cultural practices that emerged across Russia and East-Central Europe after 1989, taking into account transnational subjectivities and dynamics of spectatorship. In particular, it invites students to examine the interconnectedness of contemporary artistic practice, theoretical considerations and shifting political landscapes. The module is team-taught, offering students an exciting opportunity to work with academics whose research crosses borders and disciplines. It is organised thematically, encompassing five major themes: theoretical underpinnings of visual culture studies, digital cultures, curatorship, cities and architecture, posthumanism and critical ecologies. Besides becoming familiar with important contemporary practices and practitioners, students will have the opportunity to develop informed opinions about the broad and diverse heritage of communism and the social and political dilemmas of post-communism.