Art beyond aesthetics

Taking an anthropological approach to what constitutes ‘art’ this one day course will explore the variety of ways in which world cultures produce material expressions that exceed or complement our assumptions about it.

» View full course outline

Key course information

Date
26/11/11

Day(s)
Sat

Duration
1 week

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees ?
Full fee: £37
Senior fee: £23
Concession: £11

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

» View location

Course code
HA008

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished


Course outline

What is the course about?

Ideas of beauty drive our appreciation of art. We will examine how art objects in other parts of the world can be valued beyond aesthetics showing different approaches to beauty that challenge western conceptions.
The course will cover world arts and crafts, alternative art histories and the meanings attributed to domestic and non-utilitarian objects cross-culturally. African, Native American, oceanic and Asian arts will be discussed comparatively.

What topics will we cover?

The course will cover world arts and crafts, alternative art histories and the meanings attributed to domestic and non-utilitarian objects cross-culturally. African, Native American, oceanic and Asian arts will be discussed comparatively.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Identify basic differences and similarities between art objects from different regions, explain contextual uses of objects
Describe what constitutes art in different cultural and social settings.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

No previous knowledge is required. However an enthusiasm for learning and an open and critical mind will enhance your enjoyment and benefit from this course. You should be able to read and comment upon the short anthropology extracts given to you in the class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The sessions will run as informal seminars with ample time for discussion and the exchange of ideas. Videos and articles by leading anthropologists will be used to illustrate the themes. You should be prepared to contribute to discussion and good natured debate.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring writing materials.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

The City Lit runs anthropology courses each term: Ways into anthropology.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Browse full range of courses

Click to view Click to close browse courses box

Contact us

Humanities

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Featured course

Featured course

The medieval quest for cures

More

Humanities

Image of film clapper board

From ‘Africa today’ to ‘Writing fiction’, the Humanities department offers an extraordinarily wide variety of part-time courses

More