Philosophy and aesthetics: art and anti-art

Bringing philosophy together with art criticism, sociology and cultural anthropology, aesthetics addresses questions about taste, the special value we attach to art, cultural relativism, and what can't (ordinarily) be communicated.

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Key course information

Dates
19/04/12 - 21/06/12

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
10 weeks

Time
10:15 - 12:15

Fees
Full fee: £100
Senior fee: £56
Concession: £27

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HP050

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol on this course - please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover missed content with you. Please be advised that the published course fees will apply.

Course outline

What is the course about?

The course explores two questions that are central to aesthetics: (1) Does it make sense to argue about whether someone ought to like something (a painting, a poem, a film, etc.) or is it all a matter of personal taste? (2) Is there any real difference between high-brow and low-brow art, or more generally between art and ‘mere’ entertainment? The course starts by looking at philosophical answers to these questions, then moves on to anthropological and sociological theories of taste and art.

What topics will we cover?

We will be discussing the theories Immanuel Kant, Alfred Gell, Pierre Bourdieu, Theodor Adorno, and Hans Gadamer. These theories all address questions that are raised in and by modernist and postmodernist art: How do artworks differ (if they do) from ordinary artefacts? Does art have a function, or is the point of art that it has no function at all? Does the artist have a role in society, or are artists basically drop outs? Should art provoke thought, so as to challenge our assumptions about ourselves and conventional social life? Or is it wrong to burden art and artists with purpose?

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

- Identify problems that arise in distinguishing judgments of taste from other sorts of judgments
- Identify problems that arise in attempting to define art
- Distinguish between philosophical and anthropological/sociological theories of taste and art
- Distinguish between the theories examined on the course.

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

Introductory. No knowledge of philosophy, social science, or high-brow art assumed. However a critical mind as well as an ability to read and comment upon philosophical extracts will enhance your enjoyment and benefit from the course.

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

There will be a mix of lecture-style presentations and structured discussion activities. Students will be expected to do a (manageable) amount of reading before class, and will be encouraged, but not required, to do some short writing assignments.

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

None. Handouts will be provided.

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. Feedback will be given informally during the course.

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?

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.