73061 - Elements of Contemporary Aesthetics (1)

Learning outcomes

The main objective of the course is to provide tools for an interpretation of symbolic and productive processes that characterize today the aesthetic field. At the end of the course the student has a good awareness of the major aesthetic traditions in the last century. Also acquires the conceptual tools enabling it to understand and analyze the key issues about taste, social roles and personal identity.

Course contents

Title: The aesthetic as a social phenomenon.
The course will explore the contemporary transformations of the aesthetic starting from the analysis of its relevance in the determination of social relations. In this perspective it will also examine the social function of fashion.

Readings/Bibliography

1) B. Carnevali, Le apparenze sociali. Una filosofia del prestigio, Il Mulino, Bologna 2012 (the book is also available as e-book).

2) T. Edwards, La moda, Einaudi, Torino 2012, only chapters 1, 2, 6 and 8 (pp. 3-60, 153-178 and 203-236).

3) G. Matteucci (a cura di), Estetica e pratica del quotidiano. Oggetto, esperienza, design, Mimesis, Milano 2015, only pp. 9-88.

Teaching methods

Traditional lectures.

Assessment methods

There will be written tests on the different parts held during the lessons. The final oral exam will cover the parts not tested in intermediate examinations.
The examination must ensure the achievement of the following objectives:  
- knowledge of the main conceptual contents of the texts examined;  
- comprehension of the meaning of the concepts learned in relation to the concrete phenomena taken into account;  
- general orientation concerning the characteristics of the contemporary aesthetic culture.

Office hours

See the website of Giovanni Matteucci