Foundation Course in Humanities – Foundation Course in Sciences
Second semester 2023/24
Teacher: Annamaria Lossi (lossi@iol.it)
It was in philosophy where I learned rigorous critical thinking, a skill that is invaluable when creating art.”
– Donald Daedalus, BA ‘05, Visual Artist
Aims of the course
The module in Aesthetics aims at giving a general and systematic outline of the main features of this field in philosophy, addressing questions on beauty and art and creativity as main feature of human beings. The course is directed to both FCH and FCS students who will become familiar to concepts and ways of arguing useful for students to know how to ask questions well, and how to begin to develop responses.
Contents
This module will take into account the protagonists of modernity and contemporality to discover the different features of the discipline (from modern European Classical philosophers to contemporary American and European thinkers, artists and writers). A special focus will be shared on the nature of textuality, which includes texts and images of all kinds.
Methodology
The course will mainly consist of reading and discussing during the classes.
Every lecture of two hours has a special focus and will be divided in two parts. After an introductory presentation (with a power point, pictures, short texts) a specific reading will be read, and analysed or commented. All the texts in English translation will be uploaded in pdf and shared before the lecture.
The final mark will be based on:
- the quality of attendance, interest and participation during the course (1-10)
- final written test (usually to be done on the final day of the course) (1-10)
- oral exam in June (1-10)
In my style of teaching students are provided with tools of argumentation and get the opportunity to develop and express their own (philosophical) views.
For any question students can be received by the lecturer at the Department prior appointment made emailing directly to: lossi@iol.i
Bibliography
The bibliography is all in English translations to give everyone the possibility to get an equal preparation in a common language. No pre-knowledges are required. If students have already attended the Introduction of Philosophy course in the first semester, they might benefit thereof in the course in Aesthetics
Oral exam
In June, dates have still to be defined.