Cultural theory, politics, society and aesthetics

Course

Aesthetics and Society

7.5 credits

Spring

100%

Campus

This course discusses specific situations and artistic bodies of work, and relates societal, political and aesthetic forms and phenomena to one another. There is particular emphasis on perspectives that use cultural theory and how these relate to aesthetics.

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Preparatory studies for work in arts and culture Aesthetics investigates how people approach the world through their senses, either to gather knowledge, for pleasure and enjoyment, or perhaps in wonder and to feel fear. Aesthetic experience can come from varied artistic forms of expression such as dance and theatre, literature and music, or from nature and the world of the media. Our contemporary media-based society entails that we are exposed to a constant flow of messages, impressions and information. This makes aesthetical issues highly relevant and means that a reflective approach is necessary. At Södertörn University the subject is linked to important societal issues and phenomena. We illuminate this through historical and contemporary perspectives. For example, by investigating how cultural expressions are associated with political trends and societal occurrences, how aesthetic phenomena have been regarded historically and how they can be regarded today. Classic texts and Antique concepts gain renewed relevance in relation to contemporary art and media. The subject unites philosophical aesthetics and current cultural theory, with contemporary questions about art and debating. During your studies you will gain insights into the relationships between issues of aesthetics and society Read about research in this subject
The relationships between societal, political and aesthetic forms and phenomena During this course, you will learn about central perspectives on aesthetics from the viewpoint of cultural theory, and how to describe and summarise the ways in which the field of aesthetics may relate to historical, political and social change. You will also perform a textual analysis and interpretation from an aesthetic perspective, and make written summaries of phenomena within the field of aesthetics in writing, learning to relate aesthetico-theoretical trajectories of thought to empirical material. Reflection on the socio-historical conditions of the discipline of aesthetics in also included in the course. Course design The course is taught through lectures and seminars, and assessed via a written take-home exam, attendance at the seminars and lectures, and through written assignments.
Are you interested in aesthetics, theory and art? Aesthetics investigates how people approach the world through their senses, either to gather knowledge, for pleasure and enjoyment, or perhaps in wonder and to feel fear. Aesthetic experience can come from varied artistic forms of expression such as dance and theatre, literature and music, or from nature and the world of the media. Our contemporary media-based society entails that we are exposed to a constant flow of messages, impressions and information. This makes aesthetical issues highly relevant and means that a reflective approach is necessary. At Södertörn University the subject is linked to important societal issues and phenomena. We illuminate this through historical and contemporary perspectives. For example, by investigating how cultural expressions are associated with political trends and societal occurrences, how aesthetic phenomena have been regarded historically and how they can be regarded today. Classic texts and Antique concepts gain renewed relevance in relation to contemporary art and media. The subject unites philosophical aesthetics and current cultural theory, with contemporary questions about art and debating. During your studies you will gain insights into the relationships between issues of aesthetics and society