Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title PHILOSOPHY AND THE ARTS
Code PHIL110
Coordinator Dr N Gkogkas
Philosophy
Nikolaos.Gkogkas@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 4 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims
To consider philosophically relevant questions and concepts pertaining to the scope of art and the evaluation of artworks.

To enable students to reflect philosophically about their intuitions regarding the arts and about their appreciation of particular artistic media.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to examine whether the concept of art may apply to objects and activities from different historical periods and cultural contexts.

Students will be able to consider critically the impact that cultural institutions and their practices may have on philosophical theorising concerning the arts.

Students will be able to assess the view that artistic value is a matter of subjective response to it.

Students will be able to analyse the character of self-expression through art, and assess its significance in evaluating artworks.

Students will be able to evaluate the argument that artistic intentions must inform our appreciation of works of art.

Students will be able to define and expound the conception of beauty in a narrow and in a wide sense.

Students will be able to outline and discuss the significance of the distinction between artistic and aesthetic properties.

Students will be able to argue for or against the view that artworks are unrepeatable.

Students will be able to interpret the ways in which content and meaning is attributed to art that does not seem to represent anything.

Students will be able to provide a critical account of the possible links between seeking truth and creating good art.

Students will be able to discuss whether art can function as a vehicle for demonstrating what is morally good.

Syllabus
1 

This module is designed to address the following general topics in the philosophy of art, delivered by members of staff with appropriate areas of expertise, and focusing on the study of particular works in a variety of artistic genres, from areas such as pictorial art, performing art, literature, and film:

  1. The scope of ''art'' and ''philosophy of art'' in a contemporary context.
  2. The cultural value of art: the role of art institutions.
  3. Subjective response as a measure of artistic value.
  4. Art as self-expression.
  5. The significance of artistic intentions for the appreciation of art.
  6. ''Beauty'' as a property of artworks.
  7. Artistic and aesthetic properties.
  8. Art and the the question regarding authenticity.
  9. Form and content in non-representational art.
  10. Truth and knowledge through art.
  11. Art as an alternative to rational discourse about morality.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - 22 x 1 hour lecture.

Seminar - 11 x 1 hour seminar.

Field Work - Activities contributing towards reflective log.

Other - Film screenings with discussion.


Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 22
22 x 1 hour lecture.
11
11 x 1 hour seminar.
    6
Activities contributing towards reflective log.
10
Film screenings with discussion.
49
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 101
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Unseen Written Exam  2 hours   2  60  Yes    Assessment 3 Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessed presentation (10%). Presentations occur in seminars and are assessed by the seminar tutor. It is not possible for assessed presentations to be marked anonymously. Reflective log (30%). This documents and interprets philosophically the significance of a work of art (including film, literature, music, etc., as well as art exhibitions and installations). Examination (60%).  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Practical Assessment  5-10 minute seminar   2  10  No reassessment opportunity    Assessment 1 There is no reassessment opportunity, Presentations are done in class and there is no re-sit opportunity. 
Coursework  2,000-word reflectiv  2  30  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 2 

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: