Learning outcomes

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course intends to deliver the conceptual, methodological and cultural bases necessary in order to analyse and interpret as well the aesthetic thematics in a straight sense (sensory perception and knowledge) and the art works in a wider sense. The course also aims at the understanding of the logics and the conceptual structures and at the capacity to use a precise and adequate language; thus, it intends to make the students acquire the competences to form autonomously a critical judgement and to express it adequately.

Program

"What is beauty? Ask a blind man"
Body, image and logical thinking in Western aesthetic reflexions and in the Plastik by Herder

SYLLABUS

1. The first part of the course deals with different relationships between arts and philosophical knowledge (mimesis and ratio) focalizing on some of the fundamental concepts and methodologies (Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Rationalism, Empiricism, Baumgarten).
2. Then we will also examine fundamental concepts of contemporary aesthetics in Herder's times such as the sublime and the genius as they have been defined by Kant and put to work by Goethe.
3. This will be followed by an analytical lecture of Herder’s Plastik, which is a milestone in theory and history of arts. The analysis will start with the principal categories of the tradition of figurative arts. Some of the most important concepts of Herder will be examined with the aim of individuating vital moments for the construction of a modern aesthetics, which might be able, at least partially, to give answers to the questions that characterize both the practice of arts and the reflection on it.
4. In conclusion, the analysis of Picasso's Guernica will help to discuss the aesthetic and philosophical concepts, methods and the knowledge elaborated formerly.

Literature:

- Markus Ophälders, Filosofia arte estetica, Mimesis, Milano 2008.

- Johann Gottfried Herder, Plastica, Aesthetica, Palermo 2010.

- Markus Ophälders, Max Raphael legge Guernica di Picasso, in: Id., Labirinti, Mimesis, Milano 2008, pp. 23-43.


DIDACTIC MODES

The didactic methods adopted are not distinct between attending and non-attending students. They consist of frontal lessons devoted to the transmission of fundamental concepts and structures of thinking and reflection and their respective application tools to implement theoretical notions in the direction of autonomous critical judgment.
Throughout the academic year, the teacher also holds a regular individual Reception at the times indicated on his page (without having to set a specific appointment). However, it is recommended that you consult the messages to be informed of any changes. During the first lesson, attending students will receive the full lesson schedule with the dates and topics discussed. Information on timetables and classrooms is also provided.
The content of books and lessons is adhering to the program.

Examination Methods

ASSESSMENT METHODS AND CRITERIA

The assessment of the learning outcomes involves an oral test, during which the issues discussed during the course and studied in the texts will be developed. The exam aims at ensuring knowledge of the topics under discussion and the ability to apply the concepts and logical methodologies to the various issues proposed.

This indivisible oral test is about the whole program and consists of a two-part interview - one with the teacher and one with one of his collaborators - and tries to verify:
- the depth and breadth of the knowledge gained;
- the property of language;
- the ability to systematically connect knowledge;
- analytical and argumentative ability.

The vote is expressed in marks from 18 to 30/30.

ERASMUS students are requested to contact the teacher at the beginning of the courses to agree together the teaching methods and the assessment tests.