The power of Art and Beauty can be encapsulated by the study of Aesthetics. This fascinating and philosophical course will provide an accessible space for debate around imitation, beauty and key concepts such as the politics of definition, cultural boundaries and ideas of ownership. In this course we will examine the contributions of thinkers spanning the broad philosophical canon (e.g. Aristotle, Sontag, Appiah). There will also be a close critical examination of artistic works, such as from literature and the visual arts. To ground theory in the everyday, participants will undertake a field trip to the National Portrait Gallery and engage with answering some of the most fundamental questions in aesthetics.
Dates and times
This is a 6-week course running on Monday mornings from 10am-1pm and Wednesday afternoons from 1.30-4.30pm.
- There are currently no dates available for this course.
Price
The full cost is £983, excluding the course assessment.
Participants can opt to take the course assessment at an additional cost of £250. The deposit cost is £50, payable upon application. Please note this course fee rate is for home, UK resident participants only.
The class trip to the National Portrait Gallery on Wednesday 15th June is included within the course fee. Please note that travel costs are the participant’s responsibility. Please ensure you can commit to the scheduled dates as unfortunately we are unable to give refunds.
Location
This course will be held at our Main Campus, Twickenham.
Content
This course will introduce participants to some key philosophical issues arising from our consideration of art and the aesthetic. We will examine key terms like value, function, form, representation, and interpretation as well as considering the history of aesthetics, including traditional ideas of catharsis and mimesis. Participants will develop analytical skills in relation to aesthetics, including applying philosophical skills to the appreciation of art. Additionally, participants will evaluate ideas by selected writers and thinkers, and will engage critically with the arguments of others.
By the end of this course participants will be able to:
- understand the origins and development of the study of aesthetics in relation to the contributions of selected key philosophers and core philosophical concepts. In this way participants will be able to appreciate some key problems and debates in the topic;
- understand the relation of aesthetics to other areas of philosophical reflection and identify, and articulate underlying issues in different kinds of debate. This will include the ability to assess some of the factors and processes which have contributed to the development of both analytical and continental aesthetics;
- formulate and explore complex and controversial problems with precision of thought and expression, showing a sensitive yet rigorous manner in interpreting a variety of texts, works of art and ideas;
- construct cogent arguments in evaluating a complex body of relevant material, and present (orally, in writing, and potentially in creative form) precise and imaginative assessments of relevant considerations;
- apply the skills and values of philosophical thinking appropriately to issues arising outside the academy.
Optional course assessment
Participants who wish to take the assessment on this course are required to write an essay and complete a portfolio. The essay offers participants the opportunity for sustained attention on a core topic in the subject, and encourages the application of theory to concrete examples in the arts. The portfolio offers participants the chance to engage directly with creative works, whether by reflecting on those created by artists, or by reflection on, and development of, their own creative work. Participants will be required to give a short presentation, either in small groups or to the whole class on the topic of their portfolio project.
Requirements
It is recommended that Learners should have achieved a level of education equivalent to five GCSEs at grades A*-C prior and two A-Levels, however exemptions may be made for adult returners.
Due to the amount of information covered in the course, home studies of approximately 13 hours per week will be required.
Award
Participants will receive a certificate of attendance while those who opt to take the assessment and pass will also receive a transcript detailing 20 credits at level 5. Please note that the transcript will follow once internal and external quality assurance processes have been completed.
Book your place now
For more information about this course please contact the Short Courses team:
Tel: 020 8240 4321
Email: shortcourses@stmarys.ac.uk