Carleton University
Department of Philosophy
Philosophy 2807

Philosophy of Art
Fall 2006
Jeanette Bicknell, Ph.D.

Office:  3A39 Patterson
Office Phone    520-3825
Office Hours     Tuesdays 11:30-12:30 & Thursdays 3-4, or by appointment
Email:   Jeanette_Bicknell@Carleton.ca

Place:   Azrieli Theatre 302
Time:    Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:05 p.m. – 5:25 p.m.
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Description
            This course provides an historical and conceptual introduction to the philosophy of art.  We will consider issues such as the definition of art, the relationship between art and aesthetics, the nature of artistic value, interpretation and the meaning of artworks, and the connections between art and ethics.  We will do this by reading classic works in the philosophy of art (for example by Plato, Aristotle, Hume, Kant) and by examining the work of more recent contributors (Goodman, Stolnitz. Beardsley, Sontag, etc.)

Required text (Available at the Carleton Bookstore)
            Packet of readings designed for this course.

Course Requirements
            One test (20%)
            Two short writing assignments (2 x 20% = 40%)
            Final exam (40%)

Policies and Basic Information
            Please come to class regularly and prepared – that is, having done the reading assigned for the class.  Bring the course kit with you.

            The course will be managed with Carleton’s WebCT course management software.  If you do not already have a Web CT account, please set one up.  (Click on “My Carleton” on the Carleton University homepage.)  Assignments, announcements, etc. will be posted on the website for the course.  Students are required to sign in and monitor the site regularly (a few times a week.)

            I welcome queries by email.  Please do not be offended if I choose to answer your question in class, rather than provide a personal reply.  I will try to respond to (or at least acknowledge) all queries within 24 hours of receiving them, weekends excepted.  If you email me, please provide your full name (as indicated in Carleton’s records) and this course number.

            A make-up test will only be granted if you miss a test for medical reasons, and you must provide supporting documentation.  Otherwise the grade for the test will be zero.

            Unexcused late assignments will be penalized at a rate of one grade level, regardless of how late they are.  Assignments will not be accepted later than two weeks after the due date, (i.e. the assignment grade will be 0.)

            Questions for the test, the exam, and the writing assignment may be based on the readings, lectures, or A/V presentations.  So it will be difficult to succeed in the course if you do not attend regularly.  Students who miss A/V presentations will have to make their own arrangements to see them later.

Learning Objectives:
The goals of the course are:  1) To provide a historical and philosophical context so that we can better understand contemporary controversies and debates in the arts. 
2) To gain familiarity with some classic and contemporary works in the philosophy of art. 
3) Improvement in the ability to read carefully, write and speak clearly, and think analytically.

Academic Integrity
            I believe academic honesty to be a very serious matter.  All work submitted in this course must be your own.  Please talk to me if you are concerned or confused about what might constitute a violation of academic integrity  We will discuss these matters further before the first writing assignment is due.

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Schedule of Readings

Readings are in the course kit.  Lectures may be supplemented by A/V presentations, dates to be determined.  Dates of lectures subject to change.