Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - PHIL 331 D100

Selected Topics (3)

Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art

Class Number: 4141

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    As stated by department at time of offering.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

May be repeated for credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Selected Topics: Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art

Prerequisites: At least one 200 level PHIL course, or permission of the instructor.

What is a work of art? Does it matter if "a five-year-old could draw that"? Is aesthetic judgment all just a matter of taste? How are our feelings and morals implicated in our artistic preferences? We'll explore questions like these, both abstractly and in terms of different artistic media. We'll look at different particular media: traditional forms like painting and music, as well as applied and popular arts, including architecture, design, food, and comics. This multimedia course will draw readings from both philosophers and artists themselves, as well as incorporate listenings and viewings.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 331 may be repeated for credit if the topic is different, but not in the same term. 

Grading

  • Artworld responses (3 @ 6.67% each) 20%
  • Weekly reading questions (completed in class) 40%
  • Final paper 30%
  • Participation (in class or on discussion board) 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All required readings (viewings, listenings, etc.) will be posted on Canvas.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Thinking of a Philosophy Major or Minor? The Concentration in Law and Philosophy? The Certificate in Ethics? The Philosophy and Methodology of Science Certificate?
Contact the PHIL Advisor at philcomm@sfu.ca   More details on our website: SFU Philosophy

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.