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Aesthetics: Diversity in Criticism and Analysis of the Arts

Aesthetics: Diversity in Criticism and Analysis of the Arts. Julie Van Camp Fulbright Lecturer Comenius University Professor of Philosophy California State University, Long Beach. Weeks 2-3 (24 Sept. & 1 October). What is aesthetics? Critical thinking about art? What is art criticism?

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Aesthetics: Diversity in Criticism and Analysis of the Arts

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  1. Aesthetics:Diversity in Criticism and Analysis of the Arts Julie Van Camp Fulbright Lecturer Comenius University Professor of Philosophy California State University, Long Beach

  2. 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?

  3. A set of rules or standards dictated by critics to artists Pertaining to surface or perceptual properties: "redness" "smoothness“ Philosophy of art What is Aesthetics?

  4. Big picture questions Broad perspectives and interconnections Implicit assumptions: what's between the lines? Good reasoning Close examination of key terms and concepts What is Philosophy?

  5. Philosophical Questions • Metaphysics: nature of reality • What is real? • What exists • Epistemology: theory of knowledge • What do we know? • How do we know it? • Value theory: meaning of "good" • In human behavior (ethics) • In art

  6. Art Appreciation Art History Art Criticism Talk About Talk About Art Aesthetics (Philosophy of art) Talk About Art

  7. 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)

  8. Aesthetic Theories(Stances) Purposes • Explanation • Definition of art • Essence of art • Characteristics or nature of art • Heuristic: educate viewing public • Standards for good art

  9. Aesthetic Theories(Stances) Examples: • Representation-imitation • Expression-emotion • Communication of moral and religious ideas • Symbolic (non-verbal) communication • Formalism • Instrumentalism-experience

  10. 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

  11. Types ofAesthetic Questions Focus on: • Art works • Artists • Audience/perceivers • Context: art world/society

  12. 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

  13. Week 7 (29 October) • Critical perspectives: • The elements of description, interpretation, evaluation/judgment • Evaluation of art: the meaning of the word “good”

  14. 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

  15. The Value of Art • Aesthetic value • Moral value • Personal value • Cognitive value • Economic value • Practical value • Religious value • Political value • Therapeutic value

  16. Criticism or Aesthetics? • Art criticism: Art Evaluation • Aesthetics: philosophy of art • Philosophy of art criticism

  17. 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?

  18. Weeks 10-11 (19 & 26 November) • Teaching Aesthetics • Interdisciplinary • Active learning

  19. Learning Outcomes • Knowledge, information • Skills: philosophical inquiry/analysis, critical thinking • Attitudes, tendencies

  20. Teaching Aesthetics • Big questions chart • Philosophical puzzles • Great debates • In-out-maybe activities

  21. 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

  22. 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

  23. 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

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