Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course may focus variously on one or all of the following: the social origins and functions of art, sociological theories of aesthetics, and contemporary issues in art, such as the fate of art in modern society, popular culture, mass media, ideology in art. Students with credit for SA 416 are not eligible to take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Everywhere and throughout all of history humans have expressed themselves in art forms. Is artistic expression, therefore, intrinsic to human nature?  Is art necessary? Is there a single abstract significance to all art forms? The consideration of these questions is the principal task of this course. We shall pursue it mainly through an examination of the aesthetic theories of Hegel -- and, secondarily, through those of Marx and others. 

Within the framework of these theories, we shall examine several other questions, which may include the origin and development of art, other theories of art, the fate of art in modern society, the meaning of postmodernism, the feminist critique, and so on. These questions will be considered throughout the course, but especially in the last third in a review of the development of modern art, from the mid-nineteenth century to the present.

The course has three parts. The first part is the study of the aesthetic theory of Hegel; because much of modern and post-modern analysis of art begins with or rests on Hegel, at least implicitly, this emphasis is easily justified. An introduction to Hegel on art is the first aim of the course.

After Hegel, the work of Marx and Marxists on aesthetics has been singularly important in the history of art, either as a ‘debate with Marx’s ghost’ or as the eminence grise behind many theories and art criticism. The understanding of how Marx’s approach further developed the appreciation of art is our second objective. Here we will continue to uncover analytical tools for grasping the social basis and significance of art.

In the last section, we will employ the analytical concepts developed in the first two parts to examine elements of the development of modern art and, as time permits, certain contemporary/postmodern themes and issues.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course will provide the student with:

1. A brief introduction to the philosophy of Hegel on the arts; although widely ignored in mainstream philosophy and the social sciences, his arguments will go far to stimulate and challenge your mind,
2. A brief introduction to Marx’s arguments about art,
3. A brief survey of the main ‘schools’ and movements in modern art, and a short discussion of post-modern art.
4. In general, a theoretical appreciation of art that should mean for you a greater enjoyment of art and perhaps even an inspiration for your own artistic aspirations.

 

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

REQUIRED READING NOTES: