Aesthetics and Politics

This course addresses political aspects of art; how it is used democratically by artists to express opinions, but also how it can be used by patrons and authorities with rhetorical and propagandistic purposes. The monuments can be architecture as well as art works from different periods, but the focus will always be on the interaction between the object/material and theory. The theoretical perspective will vary in each case according to the subject matter discussed.

Knowledge

After completing the course, the student will have obtained:

• in depth knowledge of how different intellectual theories and positions understand art's social role and significance
• insight into how a given theoretical approach affects the understanding of the art historical object
• understanding of art's political dimension in contemporary and historical perspective
• knowledge about how the production and reception of art and/or architecture is determined by institutional circumstances

Skills

After completing the course, the student will be able to:

• discuss central aesthetic and art theoretical issues in relation to specific works of art
• reflect on how works of art can assume a political significance
• be able to discuss issues related to art as visual, political and/or rhetorical and propagandistic means of expression
• discuss art in light of specific and relevant interpretative traditions, and on this basis take part in current public debates about different artwork's meaning and value
• be able to present results of study and research orally and in writing

Lectures and seminars.

Obligatory activity: an oral seminar paper must be approved before the student can present himself for the final assessment in the course.

The students are required to keep posted on messages from the department or teacher at Blackboard.

Teaching is usually conducted in Norwegian but may take place in English.