Entry requirements

Fulfilment of the requirements for a Bachelor's degree in the humanities

Learning outcomes

At the completion of the course, the students are expected to have acquired a good understanding of the themes and questions discussed, and be able to:

• use the concepts and distinctions necessary for critical discussion and be able to position themselves in relation to the relevant theories and arguments
• account for and explain the central themes of the course
• read and understand texts containing historical analysis and philosophical argumentation
• account for and be able to give a systematic treatment of some central contemporary questions in philosophical aesthetics
• analyse strengths and weaknesses of relevant theories
• use theoretical tools and resources to argue for and against central theories about aesthetic value, art and artistic experience.

Content

Conceptual art raises several interesting philosophical questions, including "How should we experience conceptual art?", "What is the ontological status of conceptual artworks?", and "Is it possible to define conceptual art in the same terms as other art?". The main aim of the course is to yield insight into the role of ideas in conceptual art and to examine both if the philosophical claim that ideas have a role in art is viable its own right and, if so, whether this role is unique to conceptual art. Is all art, to some extent at least, conceptual? What exactly do we mean by "idea" in relation to art in general and conceptual art in particular?

Instruction

Teaching consists of lectures and seminars.

Assessment

The examination consists of two home assignments.