Entry requirements

60 credits in the humanities or the social sciences

Learning outcomes

At the completion of the course, students should be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the significance of issues of power and privilege for discussions in aesthetics
• demonstrate a good grasp of the main theories and concepts discussed
• critically discuss those theories and concepts
• apply the theories and concepts to other questions or subjects
• articulate an understanding of considerations of theory choice in philosophy
• develop independent and original arguments and positions concerning the course theme.

Content

Historically, aesthetic theories often assume or explicitly endorse the superiority of certain perspectives. These might be perspectives on art, perspectives in art, or perspectives on questions about art and aesthetics. More recently, the idea that some such perspectives are superior has been challenged. Philosophers have, for example, addressed its influence on answers to questions of aesthetics, on the framing of those questions, and on the selection of questions deemed appropriate for study. This course examines these challenges, drawing on one or more critical approaches such as feminist philosophy, critical race theory, and disability studies.

Instruction

Instruction is provided through lectures and seminars.

Assessment

Assessment is based upon a final written assignment.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.