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Aesthetics:Diversity in Criticism
and Analysis of the ArtsJulie Van Camp
Fulbright LecturerComenius University
Professor of PhilosophyCalifornia State University, Long Beach
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Weeks 2-3 (24 Sept. & 1 October)
• What is aesthetics? Critical thinking about art?
• What is art criticism? • What are philosophical questions
and methodologies? • How does philosophical “talk” about
art differ from art appreciation, art history, and art criticism?
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What is Aesthetics? A set of rules or
standards dictated by critics to artists
Pertaining to surface or perceptual properties: "redness" "smoothness“
Philosophy of art
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What is Philosophy?
Big picture questions Broad perspectives and
interconnections Implicit assumptions:
what's between the lines? Good reasoning Close examination of key
terms and concepts
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Philosophical Questions
Metaphysics: nature of realityWhat is real?What exists
Epistemology: theory of knowledgeWhat do we know?How do we know it?
Value theory: meaning of "good" In human behavior (ethics) In art
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Talk About Art
<Art Appreciation<Art History<Art Criticism
Talk About Talk About Art
Aesthetics (Philosophy of art)
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Weeks 4-5 (8 & 15 October)
• The nature of art from different theoretical vantage points
• How do different assumptions change what we see (formalist vs. expressionist vs. representation)
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Aesthetic Theories(Stances)
Purposes
< Explanation< Definition of art< Essence of art< Characteristics or nature
of art< Heuristic: educate
viewing public< Standards for good art
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Aesthetic Theories(Stances)
Examples:
< Representation-imitation< Expression-emotion< Communication of moral
and religious ideas< Symbolic (non-verbal)
communication< Formalism< Instrumentalism-
experience
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Essentialism
Search for the "essence" of art
< Properties of the object (representation, expression, formalism, symbolism, etc.
< Intentions of the creator
< Intentions of the audience/observers
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Types ofAesthetic Questions
Focus on:
< Art works
< Artists
< Audience/perceivers
< Context: art world/society
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Week 6 Midterm Exam (22 October)
• You will be given an example of art and asked to discuss it from the vantage point of specific ideas to this point
• Goal: to demonstrate ability to explicitly apply theoretical ideas to the analysis of art
• You must write in your own words, but may refer to books and notes in developing your answer
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Week 7 (29 October)
• Critical perspectives:
• The elements of description, interpretation, evaluation/judgment
• Evaluation of art: the meaning of the word “good”
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What is art criticism?• Art “criticism” = art evaluation
• Elements of art criticism:– Description of the work– Interpretation and context– Judgment of the work
• Art criticism vs. philosophy of art– Criticism: individual analysis moving
toward the general– Philosophy: general moving toward the
individual
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The Value of Art
< Aesthetic value< Moral value< Personal value< Cognitive value< Economic value< Practical value< Religious value< Political value< Therapeutic value
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Criticism or Aesthetics?
< Art criticism: Art Evaluation
< Aesthetics: philosophy of art
< Philosophy of art criticism
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Weeks 8-9 (5 & 12 November)
• The significance of gender, race, and culture in art criticism
• Examples: U.S. Diversity: African-American, Latino, Asian-American, Native American
• Do the U.S. experiences apply to Slovakia? How are they similar and different?
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Weeks 10-11 (19 & 26 November)
• Teaching Aesthetics
• Interdisciplinary
• Active learning
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Learning Outcomes
< Knowledge, information
< Skills: philosophical inquiry/analysis, critical thinking
< Attitudes, tendencies
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Teaching Aesthetics
< Big questions chart
< Philosophical puzzles
< Great debates
< In-out-maybe activities
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Leading an Aesthetics Discussion
< Carefully examine key terms and concepts
< Consider clarity and consistency of reasons
< Make explicit the reasons or evidence that are the basis for conclusions
< Consider alternative viewpoints
< Hypotheticals: "what if" questions
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Using Puzzle Problems
"Case Studies" or "Great Debates"
< Avoid "yes" or "no" answers
< Include "facts" supportive of both sides
< Get all reasons "on the table"
< Argue for a side you don't happen to agree with
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Week 12 (3 December)
• Summary and Review
• Final papers: due Thursday, 6 December (preferred: send as e-mail attachment)
• Final exam: week of 7 January