L.008.32485 Aesthetics and Cultural Studies

Lehrende: Dr. Sara Strauß

Veranstaltungsart: Seminar

Orga-Einheit: Anglistik/Amerikanistik

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Semesterwochenstunden: 2

Unterrichtssprache: Englisch

Min. | Max. Teilnehmerzahl: - | 30

Kommentar:
The notion of aesthetics has often been seen as problematic in cultural studies because of its frequent association with ‘high’ culture and aestheticism’s alleged absence of interest in political meaning. Yet, upon analysis cultural artefacts usually reveal some inherent aesthetic qualities as well as means of conveying ideological or ethical meaning at the same time. In this seminar we will examine the discourse on aesthetics, politics and ethics with reference to cultural theories, for example by Raymond Williams. We will analyse the aesthetic characteristics of cultural products and practices, such as literature, architecture and the appreciation of art, and discuss their political implications. The course will address the notion of aesthetics in different cultural periods, from Shakespeare’s sonnets, Romantic poetry and art, Fin de siècle aestheticism up to the contemporary period. Students with an interest in art are especially encouraged to participate in this seminar.

Class attendance in the first lesson is mandatory. Part of the credit requirements for this course is an oral presentation in class. Topics will be discussed in the first lesson.

Course material:
Please purchase the following edition:
Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Wordsworth Classics, Ware: Wordsworth, 1992, 2001 (ISBN 978-1853260155).

All other reading and course material will be made available on Koala https://koala.uni-paderborn.de/ or PAUL and in the “Seminarapparat” on floor 4 of the library.