Aesthetics and Performing Arts

Brief course description

The course in Aesthetics and Performing Arts illuminates a range of topics and research questions in theatre and performing arts, drawing on recent philosophical thinking and the Western heritage of the humanities (including aesthetics and cultural studies) and social science. Through a critical perspective, the course focuses on relevant concepts and analytical approaches to art, with attention paid to approaches such as deconstruction, intersectionality, critical race theory, postcolonial studies, and queer theory. We explore in relation to your specific research questions, which deepens your understanding of the theoretical frameworks that inform their artistic practice.

The course also introduces you to various approaches to writing and working methods, including academic essays, logging and fieldwork notes, project descriptions and reports, and short texts that are used to market projects. This is designed to support your critical and reflective skills, and to equip you with the tools necessary to engage in rigorous academic and artistic inquiry.

The course’s learning outcomes

Upon completing the course, you will:

• Have knowledge of select historical and contemporary ideas and problems in Western traditions within the performing arts and philosophy, including Kantian and Hegelian aesthetics, critical theory, intersectionality, critical race theory, postcolonial studies, queer theory, and other relevant perspectives
• Be able to use and express both orally and in writing your insight into the relationship between artistic practice and various theoretical approaches, including the ability to critically analyse and evaluate artistic works and texts
• Be able to contextualize the contemporary field of the performing arts and situate their own artistic work within that context, demonstrating a deep understanding of the historical and cultural forces that shape artistic practice and theory

Teaching and learning methods

The course’s working methods will consist of teacher-led instruction, supervision, and independent work/independent study. Teacher-led instruction will primarily take place as lectures, seminars and performance analysis. You will read a selection of articles and books as preparation and submit two essays on a given topic and literature. You will be given guidance on how to work on literature and writing assignments. The teaching is adapted to the group’s composition and other salient factors. Dialogue and discussion of key problems related to important topics and professions will be central.

The course requirements are

• Mandatory attendance and active participation in the course
• Completed reading
• Submission of written assignments

Assessment

All course requirements must be approved for a student to receive a final course assessment. Written assignments will be assessed by the teacher based on the course’s learning outcomes. The course is graded pass/fail.