2007-08 Aesthetics Syllabus
Aesthetics
2007-2008 Azar Kohzadi B116
e-mail: Azar_Kohzadi@dpsk12.org ; (720) 424-1756
Office hours are after school by appointment. Please call or email for an appointment.
Course Overview:
What is beauty? What defines art? These are both questions explored through Aesthetics. Aesthetics is a branch of philosophy which examines art, beauty, and the senses to find how and why we find appreciation in certain things. This class combines art, history, philosophy, and language arts into a multi-faceted and enriching humanities course.
In our Aesthetics course, we will take a close look at multiple traditional art forms, as well as art and beauty in non-traditional contexts. Through lectures, analysis, discussion, and hands-on activities students will broaden their knowledge of how art and beauty influences and shapes our everyday lives. They will explore these perspectives through technical and creative writing with corresponding artistic components.
Main Thematic Units (1st semester):
1. Exploring Art and Beauty in our World
2. Art Criticism
3. Ancient Definitions
4. The Pre-Modern World
5. In-depth exploration of traditional art forms
(Semester 2)
1. Art in the Renaissance
2. Romanticism
3. Modernism
4. Post-Modernism
5. Non-traditional art forms in a post-modern world
Skills to be Developed:
1. Artistic knowledge and awareness
2. Connecting art, history, and philosophy
3. Analytical writing (Technical)
4. Creative Writing
5. Researching and Presenting
6. Artistic Project Development and Execution
Schedule
A weekly schedule of classroom events, assignments, etc. can be accessed on my web page located on the DSA site.
Texts:
Sporre, Dennis J. Reality Through the Arts. 4th ed.
*We will also use a great amount of book excerpts, articles, literature, etc. coming from various alternative sources.
Grading:
Grading will be based on a variety of in-class and homework assignments which explore language arts from an artistic and cultural approach. Approximately 40% of the student’s grade will come from in-class work and participation (this includes attending class!), and the other 60% will come from homework assignments and tests. *Please see the attached sheet titled “Mrs. Kohzadi’s Policies and Procedures” for more in-depth information on homework guidelines and expectations.
Required Materials:
1. One spiral notebook for classroom journal writing and note taking
2. Art materials for various projects (TBA with each project)
Policies & Procedures
Please see the attached documents, which indicate rules and regulations.