The course aims to introduce the basic concepts of aesthetics in order to
clarify its relationship with the development of a symbolic mind.
Particular attention will be devoted to the centrality of art practices in
the communicative sphere.
1. F. Desideri – C. Cantelli, Storia dell’estetica occidentale. Da Omero alle
neuroscienze, Carocci, Roma 20123.
It's better to read the entire book; for the examination, students must be familiar with the following paragraphs: 1.1.; 1.3.; 1.5.; 1.6.; 1.8.; 2.1.;
2.2.; 2.5.; 3.1.; 3.2.; 3.5.; 3.6.; 4.1.; 4.2.; 4.3.; 4.6.; 4.7; 5.1.; 5.2.; 5.4; 5.5.; 5.6.; 5.7; 6.1.; 6.2.; 6.4.; 6.7.; 6.9; 6.12; 7.1.; 7.2.; 7.3.; 7.7.; 7.10.
2. F. Desideri, Forme dell’estetica. Dall’esperienza del bello al problema
dell’arte, Laterza, Roma-Bari 20093 (pp. VII-168).
3. W. Benjamin, L’opera d’arte nell’epoca della sua riproducibilità tecnica.
Tre versioni (1936-1939), a cura di F. Desideri, Donzelli, Roma 2012 (pp.
V-138).
The three main versions of the most influential essay of the twentieth century to understand the changing meaning and the new functions of the art in a Mass-Technological Society.
Learning Objectives
KNOWLEDGE: Acquisition of basic knowledge of aesthetics, with particular attention to the role that aesthetic experience plays in the
development of a symbolic mind and to the centrality of art practices in the communicative sphere.
COMPETENCIES: Development of conceptual and practical skills regarding the relationship between Aesthetics and communication dynamics, with particular reference to the contemporary forms of art practices.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge in anthropological, linguistic, philosophical and
sociological sciences, usually acquired during the first two years of
studies. It is recommended in any case to attend the course.
Teaching Methods
Lectures, using slides and with particular attention to the development of an interactive discussion.
Further information
Course Title
The Aesthetic Experience and the Dynamics of Communication
Type of Assessment
The examination will be oral. The oral exam will aim to verify the acquisition by the student of basic knowledge of aesthetics, both in a theoretical and in a historical-critical sense. With the assessment of basic knowledge of the discipline, the oral exam also aims to verify the development of conceptual skills about the relationship between aesthetics and communication dynamics.
Course program
The course aims to clarify the sense of aesthetics for human life with particular reference to the communication issues in the Net Society. We will try, therefore, to answer the following questions: 1) How originates
and develops in humans the aesthetic attitude towards others and the world? 2) What kind of relationship is there between the exercise of an
aesthetic attitude with the cognitive and emotional dimensions of the experience, starting from the dynamics of perception? 3) What is the value and significance of the aesthetic and artistic practices in the communicative sphere?