LASS301 Social Philosophy of Art 3 cr.

This course is for enthusiasts, juniors and seniors, who like ideas and think that valid reasons exist to examine art in the social, intellectual, and cultural context. Our framework is that of social philosophy. Three central themes organize the course: the pre- modern and the rise of modernity, the transition of modernity into postmodernity, and the character of art at our current moment. We will examine the roots of the modern, and the current, in the pre-modern. Why did the Romanesque give way to the Gothic? Was it just that people became bored with the same old style? If not that, then what? How far do you need to go to understand the phenomenon? The art-historical background is paramount. If you do not have this background, you should take the course at a later date. I also rely on your historical background. If you do not have a sufficient background to understand historical references this material takes for granted, you will have to make up for it by reading. I have supplied the necessary historical texts in the Reader. Our intention is not descriptive but analytic and critical. Many of your preconceived notions will be challenged. We will use examples from art-history as we need them to enlighten a larger point: the intersection between ideas, culture, society, and the art world as it evolves from the premodern into the modern, and into our current moment.

Prerequisites: LALW100; FRSM100

Lecture/Seminar
Culturally Diverse Content
Junior, Senior Elective