Master Topic in Aesthetics

Level of Study

Master

Teaching semester

Spring in odd years

Place of Instruction

Bergen

Objectives and Content

The course will provide an introduction to philosophical issues and positions that are central to philosophical aesthetics and the theoretical reflection of the aesthetic subjects. The course is primarily a thematic approach, but classics are also a central position. Examples of important topics is the definition of art, aesthetic experience, art and acknowledgment, and taste.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

After completing the course, students should be familiar with the main concepts and theories of aesthetics.

Skills:

After completing the course, the student should be able to

- thoroughly understand philosophical aesthetics

- explain important positions in philosophical aesthetics

- identify and critically analyze various theories within the topics of the course

Competence:

The course may be suitable to support specialization in fundamental questions in connection with the study of other subjects.

Required Previous Knowledge

None.

Recommended Previous Knowledge

A good proficiency in English is necessary since it ought to be assumed that much of the prescribed reading will be in English.

Access to the Course

This course is open to students who have been admitted to the Master's programme in philosophy. All other students require permission in order to register for this course. Please contact studieveileder@fof.uib.no to apply.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching is offered in the form of lectures and/or seminars.

Supervision: supervision is a voluntary offer and can occur individually or in groups.

The number of gatherings may be reduced if the number of students attending the course is less than 4. In that case, the students will be compensated with individual or group tutoring.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

An approval of compulsory requirements is valid for three semesters, including the semester in which the approval is given.

• Students must submit a proposal and draft of their second assignment. Deadlines are set by the department.
• Students must attend a supervision session with the instructor.
• Oral presentation

Forms of Assessment

The assessment in the course is a portfolio consisting of two written assignments to be handed in before a deadline set by the department. The first assignment is on a topic chosen from a list provided by the course teacher, and should be between 1500 and 2000 words (excluding table of contents, list of references, etc.). The second assignment is a supervised paper between 3000 and 5000 words (excluding table of contents, list of references, etc.). Each student chooses a topic subject to prior approval by the teacher of the course. With regards to the final grade, the first assignment makes up 20% and the second assignment 80% of the grade.

The compulsory activities have to be formally approved before one can take an exam in the course.

Assessment in a semester without teaching follows the syllabus the previous semester the course had teaching.

Grading Scale

From A to F

Course Evaluation

The teaching will be evaluated from time to time.