Aesthetics
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The goal of the course is to lend students a theoretical background as regards the essential traits of «Aesthetics» as a philosophical discipline. In particular, the course will provide an introduction to the notion of «aesthetic category» (with a specific focus on «beautiful», «ugly», «sublime», «grotesque» and «kitsch») as well as an analysis of seminal concepts such as «genius», «creativity», «taste» and «reception». From year to year, it will also be possible to examine in depth the question of the relationship between image and reality or the relationship between fiction and reality.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to develop a critical approach to the aesthetic categories discussed and apply the knowledge of these to aspects of the contemporary artistic debate. Students will also have acquired a new perspective on the practical implications of the theoretical results and accordingly they will be able to understand better their relationship with the iconic contemporary environment (visual arts) and with the performing arts in general. Therefore, they will have a greater awareness of the world of art, creation, receptions, and their contradictions and tensions.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
The lessons will take place in presence if the emergency due to the spread of COVID 19 is resolved. Otherwise, the lessons will occur in remote mode, synchronously (Teams platform) and asynchronously with materials published on the Ariel teaching site. Students will be able to find information to access the lessons, any changes in the program and any changes in the reference material (bibliography, etc.) on the Ariel teaching site. If it is not possible to take the exam in the manner provided for in the Syllabus, the exam can be taken electronically in the way that will be communicated on the Ariel teaching site at the end of the course.
Course syllabus
The course aims to analyze the theme of aesthetic reception. What is taste? What does it mean to enjoy art? What are the social, cultural and philosophical factors that make aesthetic enjoyment a complex and stratified issue? The spectator is analyzed studying the balance between the genesis of its constitutive variations and the identification of its persistent characteristics. A case study will be addressed through a well-known spectator: Denis Diderot.
Part A (20 hours, 3 CFU): Introduction to Aesthetics and its categories
Part B (20 hours, 3 CFU): What is the Aesthetics of the Reception
Part C (20 hours, 3 CFU): A case study: Diderot and the Salons
Part A (20 hours, 3 CFU): Introduction to Aesthetics and its categories
Part B (20 hours, 3 CFU): What is the Aesthetics of the Reception
Part C (20 hours, 3 CFU): A case study: Diderot and the Salons
Prerequisites for admission
Course's attendance does not involve any particular prerequisites since it introduces the main themes of Aesthetics as a philosophical discipline. It requires propensity and passion for the figurative and performing arts and excellent knowledge of the Italian language.
Teaching methods
The lessons will take place in presence if the emergency due to the spread of COVID 19 is resolved. Otherwise, the lessons will occur in remote mode, synchronously (Teams platform) and asynchronously with materials published on the Ariel teaching site. Students will be able to find information to access the lessons, any changes in the program and any changes in the reference material (bibliography, etc.) on the Ariel teaching site. If it is not possible to take the exam in the manner provided for in the Syllabus, the exam can be taken electronically in the way that will be communicated on the Ariel teaching site at the end of the course.
Teaching Resources
Bibliography for attending students
Part A
M. Mazzocut-Mis, Lineamenti di Estetica, Le Monnier, 2015.
Part B
M. Mazzocut-Mis, Il senso del limite. Il dolore, l'eccesso, l'osceno, Le Monnier, 2009 (parts indicated in class).
L. Puelles, Guardare chi guarda. Teoria estetica e soggetto-spettatore, Mimesis, 2021.
Part C
D. Diderot, I Salons, Bompani, 2021 (parts indicated in class) oppure M. Mazzocut-Mis (con M. Bertolini, R. Messori, C. Rozzoni, P. Vincenzi), Entrare nell'opera: i Salons di Diderot. Selezione antologica e analisi critica, Mondadori-Le Monnier, 2012 (parts indicated in class).
Bibliography for non-attending students
Part A
M. Mazzocut-Mis, Lineamenti di Estetica, Le Monnier, 2015.
Part B
M. Mazzocut-Mis, Il senso del limite. Il dolore, l'eccesso, l'osceno, Le Monnier, 2009.
L. Puelles, Guardare chi guarda. Teoria estetica e soggetto-spettatore, Mimesis, 2021.
M. Mazzocut-Mis, Estetica della fruizione. Sentimento, giudizio di gusto e piacere estetico, Lupetti, 2008.
Part C
D. Diderot, I Salons, Bompani, 2021 (Salons 1761, 1763, 1765 e 1767).
Part A
M. Mazzocut-Mis, Lineamenti di Estetica, Le Monnier, 2015.
Part B
M. Mazzocut-Mis, Il senso del limite. Il dolore, l'eccesso, l'osceno, Le Monnier, 2009 (parts indicated in class).
L. Puelles, Guardare chi guarda. Teoria estetica e soggetto-spettatore, Mimesis, 2021.
Part C
D. Diderot, I Salons, Bompani, 2021 (parts indicated in class) oppure M. Mazzocut-Mis (con M. Bertolini, R. Messori, C. Rozzoni, P. Vincenzi), Entrare nell'opera: i Salons di Diderot. Selezione antologica e analisi critica, Mondadori-Le Monnier, 2012 (parts indicated in class).
Bibliography for non-attending students
Part A
M. Mazzocut-Mis, Lineamenti di Estetica, Le Monnier, 2015.
Part B
M. Mazzocut-Mis, Il senso del limite. Il dolore, l'eccesso, l'osceno, Le Monnier, 2009.
L. Puelles, Guardare chi guarda. Teoria estetica e soggetto-spettatore, Mimesis, 2021.
M. Mazzocut-Mis, Estetica della fruizione. Sentimento, giudizio di gusto e piacere estetico, Lupetti, 2008.
Part C
D. Diderot, I Salons, Bompani, 2021 (Salons 1761, 1763, 1765 e 1767).
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of two written tests at the end of the course (May) addressed only to the participants (according to the registration during the lessons). These are multiple-choice tests on the texts provided for didactic units A, B and C. In place of the written tests, attending students are allowed to opt for taking an oral test (during the dates foreseen for the exam session), which consists of an oral exam on the syllabus topics, aimed at assessing the knowledge and skills acquired. Students who are not attending will have to take an oral test during the dates for the exam session, which consists of an oral exam on the syllabus topics of the didactic units A, B and C (see "Bibliography for not attending students").
Nota bene
International students or incoming Erasmus students are invited to make timely contact with the teacher who holds the course.
The examination modalities for students with disabilities and/or DSA must be agreed with the teacher, complying with the competent Office.
Nota bene
International students or incoming Erasmus students are invited to make timely contact with the teacher who holds the course.
The examination modalities for students with disabilities and/or DSA must be agreed with the teacher, complying with the competent Office.
Unita' didattica A
M-FIL/04 - AESTHETICS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
M-FIL/04 - AESTHETICS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
M-FIL/04 - AESTHETICS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)