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? What are philosophical questions and methodologies? How does philosophical “talk” about art differ from art appreciation, art history, and art criticism?

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

Types of Aesthetic Questions Focus on:  Art works  Artists  Audience/perceivers  Context: art world/society

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

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

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

The Value of Art  Aesthetic value  Moral value  Personal value  Cognitive value  Economic value  Practical value  Religious value  Political value  Therapeutic value

Criticism or Aesthetics?  Art criticism: Art Evaluation  Aesthetics: philosophy of art  Philosophy of art criticism

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?

Weeks (19 & 26 November) Teaching Aesthetics Interdisciplinary Active learning

Learning Outcomes  Knowledge, information  Skills: philosophical inquiry/analysis, critical thinking  Attitudes, tendencies

Teaching Aesthetics  Big questions chart  Philosophical puzzles  Great debates  In-out-maybe activities

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

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

Week 12 (3 December) Summary and Review Final papers: due Thursday, 6 December (preferred: send as attachment) Final exam: week of 7 January