Aesthetics B

30 credits

Syllabus, Bachelor's level, 5ES011

A revised version of the syllabus is available.
Code
5ES011
Education cycle
First cycle
Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
Aesthetics G1F
Grading system
Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with distinction (VG)
Finalised by
The Department Board, 25 August 2021
Responsible department
Department of Philosophy

Entry requirements

Aesthetics A or Practical Philosophy A or Theoretical Philosophy A

Learning outcomes

At the completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

  • use the concepts and distinctions necessary for critical evaluation of philosophical theories and arguments
  • read and understand texts with significant proportions of historical analysis and philosophical argument
  • demonstrate a systematic understanding of a number of problems central to contemporary philosophical aesthetics
  • show very good knowledge of philosophical aesthetics in general
  • analyse strengths and weaknesses in the particular theories studied
  • critically discuss the relations between different aesthetic theories and a selection of works of art that challenge those theories
  • use theoretical tools to argue for and against central theories about aesthetic value, art, and the experience of art.

Content

The course consists of three parts:

  • Philosophical Aesthetics: Three Central Problems (15 credits)
  • Elective Course (7.5 credits)
  • B Level Essay Course (7.5 credits)

Philosophical Aesthetics: Three Central Problems (15 credits)

In this course we study three central problems within philosophical aesthetics. We start by looking at a specific aesthetic concept (for instance, aesthetic value, aesthetic experience or aesthetic judgment) and investigate various theories and definitions of how the concept should be understood. Secondly, we turn to an issue about art in general or a specific art form to gain insight into how art may affect us and why we think that art is valuable (for instance: "Can music express emotions?" or "How does a painting differ from a photograph?"). We end by looking at an issue that concerns the broadening of aesthetics into domains outside of art (for instance: "How do we experience nature aesthetically?" or "Can functional or everyday objects be beautiful?"). The specific issues treated may vary from semester to semester.

Elective Course (7.5 credits)

Examples of courses offered previously are Ontology of Art and Classics of Aesthetics.

B Level Essay Course (7.5 credits)

The essay (short dissertation) course is designed to enhance the student's understanding of the writing of academic essays. Of particular importance is that the essay demonstrates independent, methodologically sound and critically aware research, as well as the mastery of stylistic and formal aspects of essay-writing. In consultation with the teacher and under their supervision the student will write an essay which will be presented for defence at a seminar. The student is also expected to critically review another student's essay at a seminar.

Instruction

Instruction is provided through lectures, seminars and supervision.

Assessment

Se the syllabus of each included course.

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