ATS2339 · Philosophy of Art

Overview

In this unit, you will explore contemporary debates in the philosophy of art. You will look at philosophical discussions on specific art forms such as painting, music, and fiction. You will also delve into philosophical conundrums about art. Some of the questions may include: What exactly is art? Why do we enjoy certain artforms that cause discomfort? How should we evaluate great artworks by immoral artists? You will approach these questions using philosophical tools as well as through the lens of art history and/or the psychology of art.

Areas of study: Philosophy

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. identify and explain key ideas in the philosophy of art;
2. critically apply relevant philosophical concepts to a range of artistic examples;
3. evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of theories in the philosophy of art;
4. communicate philosophical analysis in written form through individual research tasks;
5. collaborate and communicate effectively in oral form through group activities and projects.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.