30.388 Aesthetics and Literary Theory

Prerequisite: 6 credit hours in English literature (ENGL) or Philosophy or 32:165 or 32:166 and 32:254 or permission of Instructor.

In this study of aesthetics and literary theory, students will examine a number of critical issues and questions concerning the philosophy of art and literature, including: What is a work of art or literature? What standards do we use to determine whether such created works are beautiful, bad or profane? How do we differentiate between great works of art and other forms of popular art? What is the purpose of art in society and culture?

Cross-registered with (Fine Art) 32:388 and (Philosophy) 70:388.
3 lecture hours per week, one term.