Objectives:

• To acquire knowledge and understanding of philosophical theories of art, and analyze exemplary artistic sites and/or artifact
• To discern, define, and critique artistic pursuit
• Describe the philosophical approaches to art
• Give examples and interpret definitions of the nature of art
• Trace characteristics of creative thought
• Demonstrate and use aesthetic criticism and judgment
• To demonstrate the ability to perform research and to utilize the acquired knowledge of philosophical approaches to art
• To analyze, discuss, and critically assess a philosophical theories of art
  

Topical Outline:

• Definitions: aesthetics, art, creativity, critics

• Philosophical approaches to art: appearance, beauty, formal structure, form and content, intuition, expression, experience, irrationality

• Creativity and art: characteristics, development

• Distinctions among the various art forms: theoretical and practical

Requirements:

Assignments - 20% of your accumulative grade will be determined by a number of assignments. In these assignments, you will write an analysis of certain philosophical arguments and give a critical response.  Please check the instructions on Arguments and Their Evaluation (http://www.unco.edu/philosophy/arg.html) in preparation for these assignments. The assignments will enhance your ability to work on analyses, interpretations, and philosophical arguments. These assignments are written in a computer-lab during class sessions (1-2 pages; double spaced 12 point font). The grading criteria will particularly focus on clarity, creativity, and depth of presentation in your interpretation and critical analysis of your sources.

Reading Questions – Each assigned reading includes questions (see tentative reading list in Blackboard).You will be required to answer these questions in preparation for class discussions. I will collect these readings with the mid-term and final paper. The responses must be submitted in print and cannot include your notes from class.

Mid-Term:

Students also have to submit a draft analysis (mid-term) of a philosophical argument of their choice based on a selection from the various readings in class.
The analysis must include the following:
a)         Title
b)         Source for the philosophical argument (primary text)
c)         Brief introduction to the topic in which the proposition is identified
d)         Analysis of the argument selected for the paper which offers a fair representation of the problem
e)         Premises
f)          Conclusion

g)         Bibliography including primary and secondary sources

Term Paper:  You will be required to use the text and analysis that you chose for your mid-term. Please extend your research in order to write your own critical response. For this purpose, you should plan to spend time in the library. You are required to read at least three academic sources, in addition to your primary philosophical text. The goal of the research is that you enhance your understanding and your ability to critically analyze your chosen philosophical argument. Check more comprehensive instructions and a list of specific requirements for the term paper in Blackboard. Please do not hesitate to visit me in the office to discuss your research project and keep in mind that it takes time to develop critical thought. Therefore, choose your philosopher early on during the course and begin your research. 

Please do not plagiarize. Keep in mind that this class follows the Academic Honesty Philosophy Statement of the College of DuPage. The assignments must be your own work. The following website offers advice and examples how to acknowledge your sources: Sources and Citations (http://www.dartmouth.edu/~writing/sources/). Please think about your choices seriously and remember, what you find as a source, your teacher can detect as well! Again, proven plagiarism will earn you an F for the class, possibly a meeting with the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, including a formal report and/or an appearance before a Judicial Board.

Participation – While I will offer overviews in some lectures on the general development of philosophical ideas, we will especially focus on a number of philosophers in extensive class discussions. Practicing your argumentative skills is vital in philosophy. Lively discussions do not only make this a much more interesting class but participation accounts for 20% of the accumulative grade.

Attendance – You are responsible to keep up with materials missed including the computer sessions and assignments.  If you must miss a class, please let me know in advance when possible. Please, also avoid coming late to class. Respect for others will make this class a much more enjoyable and conducive place for exploring, thinking, and learning. Therefore, be considerate of your student companions.

Grading

Commitment
I promise to give every effort and knowledge to stimulate your interest in and curiosity about the topic. I will give guidance for your work and will respond to your work as promptly and honestly as possible. Please contact me for any questions. If you participate in this course, I expect you to complete your assignments regularly, be prepared with your readings and contribute to the discussions in class. You are allowed one unexcused class. Yet, you are responsible to keep up with what you missed in particular the computer sessions and assignments. Respect for others will make this class a much more enjoyable and conductive place for exploring, thinking, and learning. Therefore, please be considerate of your student companions. Please be aware that I do not drop students from this class in case of non-attendance.

Course Materials

Stephen Cahn and Aaron Meskin eds. Aesthetics. A Comprehensive Anthology. Malden/Oxford: Blackwell, 2008.

Michel Foucault. This is not a pipe. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1983.