PH9F7-20 Topics in Philosophy and the Arts
Introductory description
PH9F7 Topics in Philosophy and the Arts
Module aims
This module introduces students to substantive and methodological issues in philosophical engagement with art. Can art be defined, and does philosophy of art need such a definition? How basic is art to human life? How do theories of art and concrete artistic practices relate? How should they relate? Does artistic value encompass cognitive or ethical value? Such foundational questions will set the stage for considering questions about specific artworks, artists and art forms. The module combines study of broad theoretical questions with attention to specific artists, works, genres, art-forms and contexts of artistic activity. The goal is to keep methodological and foundational concerns in view as we consider the significance of, and the questions raised by, specific figures, works and practices. Here ‘the arts’ are taken to encompass a wide spectrum of artistic activity, the constitution of which changes historically and is itself contested, but includes the visual arts, literature, cinema, music, dance and other performance arts.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
A. Sample theoretical issues
- Art and philosophy
- Defining art
- Art and cognitive value
- Non-Western art and cultural appropriation
- Aesthetic value and artistic value
- Art and ethics
- Aesthetics and empirical research
- Aesthetics of the everyday
B. Sample questions of relevance to particular art forms, artworks, thinkers, themes or debates
- Philosophical study of a particular work/oeuvre/artist/genre
- Photography as an art
- Conceptual art and aesthetics
- Arthur Danto’s Philosophies of art and art history
- Fiction and the representation of race
- Politics and participatory art
- Poetry and philosophical thinking
- Food as art
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Understand and reflect on general methodological and substantive issues raised by approaching art philosophically.
- Show an advanced conceptual grasp of issues that link different art practices, that explore theoretical problems in relation to specific art forms, and that bring philosophical concerns into dialogue with the arts
- Demonstrate advanced expertise in interpreting and analysing complex texts and critiquing their ideas and arguments
- Develop and defend their own views on relevant issues, drawing on autonomously initiated and conducted research.
Indicative reading list
Generic Reading lists can be found in Talis
Research element
Summative research essay is a requirement.
Interdisciplinary
The module incorporates multiple disciplines in studying art theories, criticism and historical practices.
International
Artworks and aesthetic theories from non-UK and non-European traditions are studied.
Subject specific skills
Students will:
develop understanding of recent work in philosophy of art and theorising about specific art practices
develop their capacity for critical response, analysis and argument in philosophy of art.
develop an advanced capacity for interpretation of difficult materials, including work reflecting theoretically on artworks and creative practices
develop understanding of the challenges of philosophising about art and what it means to do substantive aesthetics
Transferable skills
Students will:
hone their ability to express themselves clearly and concisely both orally and in writing
develop their skills of criticism, interpretation, synthesis of complex materials, analysis of ideas and issues, and argument
learn to bring the results of one discipline or practice to bear on those of another, assessing similarities and relevance
develop their capacities for writing, formulating a research project and carrying out independent research
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Seminars | 9 sessions of 2 hours (9%) |
| Private study | 182 hours (91%) |
| Total | 200 hours |
Private study description
No private study requirements defined for this module.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.
Assessment group A2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
|||
| 5000 word essay | 100% | Yes (extension) | |
Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Feedback on essays will be provided on the coversheet for the essay, addressing standard areas
of evaluation and individual content.
Courses
This module is Optional for:
- Year 1 of TPHA-V7P2 Postgraduate Taught Continental Philosophy
This module is Option list B for:
-
TPHA-V7PM Postgraduate Taught Philosophy
- Year 1 of V7PM Philosophy
- Year 2 of V7PM Philosophy