Aesthetics C

About the course

Aesthetics C consists of three sub-courses: one fixed course of 7.5 credits, one course of 7.5 credits that varies, and an essay writing course (a degree thesis for a Bachelor's degree) of 15 credits.

The aim of the fixed first course, The Origins of Art: Nature or Culture?, is to examine the extent to which art can be said to be a socio-cultural product and the extent to which it is the instinctive expression of our human nature. We approach the central questions from an interdisciplinary perspective, that is to say not only from the point of view of philosophy but also with the help of anthropology, evolutionary theory, psychology and neurology.

The second course may vary from year to year and is often taught by an internationally recognised researcher visiting the Department of Philosophy. See upcoming elective courses.

Throughout these courses, we will be working intensively on developing reading skills and applying theories, as well as analysing and interpreting texts from different historical periods.

In the process of working with your 15 credits thesis/essay, you will present an independent discussion of an issue in philosophical aesthetics, as well as analyse sources in a critically aware and methodologically sound way.

During your studies, you will acquire in-depth knowledge of historical and contemporary theories, the experience of individual project work, and good insight into how knowledge is created. The knowledge and skills acquired through the course are very useful for most jobs in the cultural and social sciences sectors: you will learn how to process source material, how to use archives effectively, and how to summarise and analyse research. You will identify, evaluate, and discuss scientific works and practise both giving and receiving constructive criticism.

Note: Exchange students whose home universities do not accept essays at this level may replace the essay/thesis course with two additional elective courses in Practical Philosophy or Theoretical Philosophy (see the page Upcoming elective courses for available courses). However, with this option the exchange student will not qualify for a Swedish Bachelor's degree with Aesthetics as the main field of study.