Philosophy of Art, Toadvine, Emporia State University

Philosophy of Art Fall 1999 PI 500, 11:00 - 12:20 TR

Dr. Ted Toadvine, 411P Plumb Hall Phone: 341-5566 (office); 341-5462 (dept); Email: toadvint@emporia.edu Office Hours: MWF 3:00 - 4:00; T 2:00 - 3:20; and by appointment

Texts
Blocker & Jeffers, eds., Contextualizing Aesthetics (Wadsworth, 1999).
Lynda Nead, The Female Nude: Art, Obscenity, and Sexuality (Routledge, 1992).

Course Goals & Topics
This course will introduce you to central issues in aesthetics and the philosophy of art. We will be especially concerned with the notion of "aesthetic experience" and the question of the relationship between art and the aesthetic. We will also delve into related issues, including the ontological status of the work of art, the relation of an artwork to its cultural context, and the political "function" of art. We will begin the course with an historical overview, examining selections from some of the most influential theorists of art in the Western tradition. Turning then to the twentieth century, we will explore the contributions of "Analytic" and "Continental" theorists, focusing especially on post-structuralism, cultural materialism, and postmodernism. Finally, to conclude the course, we will examine a recent monograph which draws on many of the historical and contemporary philosophers we have read to explore the role of the female nude in Western art and its political ramifications.

Course Requirements and Grading

Your final grade will be determined as follows:

5 short reaction papers (600 words) @ 10% each = 50%
2 exams, mid-term and final @ 20% each = 40%
participation & one day of leading discussion = 10%

Reaction papers will be written in response to questions distributed in class and must be at least 600 words (about 2 pages on most word-processors). Include a word count on the first page. Essays will only be accepted if typewritten, double-spaced, stapled, and proof-read. The mid-term and (non-comprehensive) final will include an "objective" (true/false and short answer) component and an essay component. Review sheets will be distributed prior to exams. Early in the semester, a sign-up sheet will circulate for you to select a "discussion leading" day. On your day, I will expect you to take charge of engaging your classmates in an informal discussion of the assigned material (e.g., by asking leading questions, pointing out comparisons, offering a critique, etc.).

You are expected to attend class and to come prepared to discuss assigned material. Three absences will result in a full grade reduction. No make-up quizzes or exams will be given without documented evidence of an emergency. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. This includes plagiarism, the paraphrase or quotation of any published or unpublished source without full and clear acknowledgment. The university policy regarding academic dishonesty, as explained in the Student Handbook (p. 37), will be strictly enforced.

If you have a documented disability and wish to discuss academic accommodations or emergency evacuation, please contact me as soon as possible.

Office Hours
As listed above, my office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 3:00 to 4:00, and Tuesday, 2:00 to 3:20. I will be spending these hours in my office for the sole purpose of being available for your questions. If these times are not convenient for you, and there is something you need to discuss with me, please ask to make an appointment. Messages can be left with the Social Sciences secretary (PH 411) at 341-5462. You are also welcome to address inquiries to me via Email at toadvint@emporia.edu.

Course Schedule
(This is an ambitious schedule subject to alteration as we proceed).

I. The History of Aesthetic Theory
WEEK 1 (8/24-8/26): Introduction to Course
Preface and Introduction (vii - xxi)
Introduction to Ancient Period (2-11), Plato (11-32)

WEEK 2 (8/31-9/2): Aristotle, Longinus (33-49)
Introduction to Modern Period (49-65)

WEEK 3 (9/7-9/9): Reaction Paper 1 Due
Burke, Hume, and Kant (66-90)

WEEK 4 (9/14-9/16): Hegel, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche (90-106)

II. Analytic Aesthetics
WEEK 5 (9/21-9/23): Reaction Paper 2 Due
     Introduction to Part II (108-110)
     The Analytic Critique of Aesthetic Experience (118-120)
     Beardsley, Dickie (120-140)

WEEK 6 (9/28-9/30): The Problem of Defining Art (140-4), Danto (145-153)
The Status of the Work of Art (161-5), Wollheim (165-170)

WEEK 7 (10/5-10/7): Review
MIDTERM: Thursday, 10/7

II. Continental Art Theory
WEEK 8 (10/12-10/14): Myths of Modernism (192-195)
Krauss, De Man, Barthes, Venturi (195-218)

WEEK 9 (10/19-10/21): Art and Postmodernity (218-222)
Foucault, Deleuze, Crowther (223-253)

WEEK 10 (10/26-10/28): Reaction Paper 3 Due
The Critique of Truth (251-6)
Heidegger, Shapiro, Derrida (257-278)

WEEK 11 (11/2-11/4): Cultural Materialism (278-282)
     Benjamin, Adorno, Bennett, Pollock (282-309)

WEEK 12 (11/9-11/11): Reaction Paper 4 Due
     The Postmodern Sublime (309-311), Lyotard (312-321)
     HOLIDAY: Thursday, 11/11

WEEK 13 (11/16-11/18): Jameson, Lyotard (321-337)
CLASS CANCELED: Thursday, 11/18

IV. The Female Nude
WEEK 14 (11/23-11/25): The Female Nude, Part I (1-33)
HOLIDAY: Thursday, 11/25

WEEK 15 (11/30-12/2): Reaction Paper 5 Due
The Female Nude, Part II (34-82)

WEEK 16 (12/7-12/9): The Female Nude, Part III (83-108)
Review

FINAL EXAM: Friday, 12/17, 8:00 - 9:50

This page created by Ted Toadvine Last Updated 13 September 1999