Students will be introduced to arguments of some of the most important philosophers on art, aesthetics and cultural theory, including Kant, Hegel, Danto and Tolstoy. Students will consider key concepts and theories in aesthetics, including the aesthetic judgement, disinterestedness, the institutional theory of art, the nature of representation and expression and feminist and post-modern critiques. Students will be encouraged to make connections between works of art and artistic practices of the past and present.

(LO1) Students will be able to explain and evaluate some of the main theories in aesthetics.

(LO2) Students will be able to analyse key concepts and arguments relating to aesthetics and art.

(LO3) Students will be able to structure discussion of issues in aesthetics.

(LO4) Students will be able to identify links between influential philosophical theories and artistic practices.

(LO5) Students will be able to articulate and defend positions in aesthetics and philosophy of art.

(LO6) Students will be able to present their ideas with clarity and confidence.

(LO7) Students will be able to develop in writing coherent, structured and informative accounts on abstract philosophical issues.

(S1) Students will develop their skills in making appropriate use of information technology, information on the World Wide Web and reference works and databases relevant to the discipline.

(S2) Students will enhance their capacity to participate, in a dispassionate and respectful manner in debates about controversial and profound matters.

(S3) Students will develop their willingness critically to evaluate and reflect upon arguments, beliefs, proposals and values, both their own and those of others.

(S4) Students will enhance their abilities in reading and understanding texts and in comprehending abstract material.

(S5) Students will develop their skills in thinking critically, analysing problems and analysing and assessing arguments.

(S6) Students will enhance their ability to identify and reflect critically upon the issues that underlie debates.

(S7) Students will develop confidence in considering previously unfamiliar ideas and approaches.

(S8) Students will enhance their ability to marshal arguments and present them orally and in writing.

(S9) Students will develop the ability to perform bibliographical searches, to include to professional standard citations and bibliographies in their work and to plan, organise and produce presentations and essays.

(S10) Students will enhance their oral and written communications skills and develop skill in explaining complex material in a precise manner.

Kant on the 'Judgement of Taste' and on Disinterestedness
The Kantian Legacy? The 'Aesthetic Attitude'
Art: The Definitional Problem
Ontology of Art
Aesthetic Categories
Representation
Expression and Emotion
Aesthetic Value
Art and Morality
Feminist Aesthetics
The End of Art and its Future

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: 11 x 1 hour lectures. Lectures are tutor-led activities, offering a map of the syllabus and a framework for independent enquiry-led research. Students are encouraged to engage actively with lectures through, for example: (i) taking opportunities to ask questions during the session; (ii) reflecting on and responding to questions posed to them; (iii) producing questions and notes on issues for subsequent group discussion in seminars.

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: 11 x 1 hour seminars. Seminars are formative spaces of applied and enquiry-led learning based on pre-set readings, tasks, and questions facilitated by the tutor. Seminars thus offer opportunities for students to respond to tutor- and peer-set questions, deepen understanding, clarify concepts, apply ideas, develop arguments and build confidence through group discussion. One or two students take the lead each week through peer-teaching, delivering presentations b ased on their own enquiries and identification of questions and issues.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Delivery Notes:

a) mixed, hybrid delivery, with social distancing on campus: Lectures on-line; seminars on-campus

(b) fully online delivery and assessment: Lectures on-line; seminars on-line

(c) standard on campus delivery with minimal social distancing: Lectures on-campus; seminars on-campus