PHIL 280: Aesthetics

Fall Semester 2003

Instructor: Hugh Wilder 

Required Text

1. Yasmina Reza, Art.
2. Marcia Muelder Eaton, Basic Issues in Aesthetics.
3. Terry Barrett, Criticizing Art: Understanding the Contemporary (2nd ed.).

Course Description

This is an introductory course in aesthetics; no previous study of philosophy or experience in the arts is expected, but lively interest in both is assumed. We will begin by reading the play Art, Broadway hit and winner of the 1998 Tony Award for Best Play. Art raises philosophical questions about art in provocative (and funny) ways. We will use the play as an introduction to our study of the following kinds of philosophical questions about art:

• What is the nature of art?
• What kinds of things can be art?
• Does the artist's intention make something art?
• Does the fact that something is treated by the artworld make it art?
• Are judgments about art objective, or are they subjective matters of taste?
• Is one aesthetic judgment as good as another?
• Are there (correct?) principles for interpreting art?
• Are there (correct?) principles for evaluating art?

Course Aims

1. To introduce you to the practice of philosophy–i.e., to the art and science of thinking in a disciplined manner about some deep issues relating, in this case, to art;
2. To acquaint you with the views of some great philosophers and artists (e.g., Plato, Hume, Kant, Tolstoy) about the nature and value of art;
3. To develop your philosophical skills: skills involved in critical and argumentative thinking, as well as empathy and imagination;
4. To develop your ability to use these philosophical skills in your responses to works of art;
5. To improve your skills in reading, writing and speaking.

Course Requirements

1. Timely completion of reading assignments, regular class attendance and active participation. See below for my attendance policy. Attendance and participation are worth 5% of your course grade. You each begin with a C for attendance and participation; your performance in this area over the semester will move you up or down.

2. Approximately three short papers (1-2 pages) will be assigned. Together, these papers are worth 15% of your course grade.

3. Two in-class tests will be given, on Friday, Sept. 26 and Friday, Oct. 31. Tests will include short-answer and essay questions. Make-up tests will be given for excused absences only. Each test is worth 20% of your course grade.

4. A paper (4-5 pages) will be due Nov. 21. Topics and guidelines will be distributed in advance. This paper is worth 20% of your course grade.

5. The final exam will be given at the regularly scheduled time, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 12:00-3:00 PM. The final will not be cumulative; it will cover the material covered in class since the second in-class test. The final exam is worth 20% of your course grade.

Grading Scale

On individual assignments, I use the full range of plus and minus grades with numerical equivalencies. I base final course grades on the following scale:
A = Excellent, 90-100.
B+ = Very good, 88-89.
B = Good, 80-87.
C+ = Fair, 78-79.
C = Acceptable, 70-77.
D = Barely acceptable, 60-69.
F = Failure, 0-59.

Attendance

Attendance is required and roll is taken every day. I allow three unexcused absences without penalty. Additional unexcused absences may result in a reduction in your final course grade. Having eight or more unexcused absences is grounds for failure. You must provide me with a written excuse (a note or an email) if you believe your absence should be excused (notification by the Office of Undergraduate Studies or the Wellness Center is not sufficient). The decision about whether your absence is excused or unexcused is mine, and I will inform you after receiving your note whether your absence is excused or unexcused. You are responsible for material covered and announcements made on days on which you are absent.

Office Hours and Help

1. My door is always open (when I'm in!) and I'm happy to meet with you. If my office hours are inconvenient for you, I'll be happy to schedule an appointment at another time.

2. I like email. I usually reply quickly on weekdays but not so quickly (or not at all) on weekends.

3. I recommend using the Center for Student Learning (ECTR 216). CSL offers a specific Philosophy Writing Lab as well as the all-purpose Writing Lab for help with your papers.

Plagiarism and Cheating

I expect you to be familiar with and to abide by the Student Honor Code of the College of Charleston (see the 2002-2003 Student Handbook). Plagiarism (representing as one's own the ideas or work of another) and cheating will not be tolerated. The minimum penalty is failure in the course.

Class Format

The class will combine lecture and discussion. Good advance preparation, provocative questions and thoughtful, respectful discussion are all essential to the success of the course and your success in it. Typically, a reading assignment will be given and the following class will be devoted to a close analysis of the text. Bring the book to each class! The reading is challenging, requiring serious study. I will work with you to make sure that you are able to understand the material, but I will assume that you have studied the assignments in advance and that you come to class ready to discuss the issues.

My Expectations
1. I have very high expectations for this course and for your performance in it. I expect serious commitment and motivation from each of you.

2. I expect serious advance preparation for each class. The reading assignments are short but difficult. I expect you to spend the time it takes to understand each assignment prior to our class discussion. I expect you to come to class prepared to discuss the day's assignment.

3. I expect you to use a word-processor for each writing assignment.

4. I expect each of you to attend each class. If you miss a class, you are responsible for the material covered and for any announcements made. You should get notes for days missed from another student and see me for any questions.

5. I expect you to participate in class. It is partly your responsibility to make the course a lively one. Your own reflections on the readings are always appropriate, and so are your own examples and experiences from your lives as athletes and fans, participants and observers.

6. I expect you to arrive on time and not to leave early.

7. I expect common courtesy and respect, shown to me as well as to other students. We are a class; I expect us to work together in constructive ways.