Aesthetics and Visual Composition
MODULE CODE
CREDIT VALUE
Module Aims
Aim 1
To introduce students to key theories of aesthetics in relation to visual arts.
Aim 2
To enable students engage with contemporary work in philosophical aesthetics and develop their own ideas and responses to it.
Aim 3
To enhance students’ understanding of the aesthetic and commercial value of different visual compositions.
Aim 4
To develop students’ abilities to improve their own aesthetics and visual compositions —e.g. by making good use of feedback.
Module Content
This module is designed to provide an introduction to aesthetics, allowing students to engage with aesthetic theory in their design projects, compositions and throughout their studies.
Students will explore fundamental concepts and principles related to visual art and design. They will study the ways in which aesthetic principles (such as colour theory, line and shape, balance and symmetry, and other design elements) inform visual composition.
The module will also introduce students to a variety of ancient, early modern, and modern aesthetic theories, values and central issues such as expression in art, the nature of metaphor, the role of imagination, the definition of ‘art’, and the aesthetics of nature. They will learn what constitutes art, beauty and the good, and how such judgements are made, considering thinkers who may include: Plato, Kant, Hegel, Hume, Confucius and others.
Students will also engage in analysis of various artworks and develop their own creative projects to demonstrate understanding of these concepts. In this way, students will develop the ability to analyse, critique, and create visually compelling compositions.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:
Teaching Methods
The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, presentations, group discussions, video projections, demonstrations and group critiques which are used to help students gain knowledge and appreciation of the topic area. Workshops may incorporate both individual and group learning.
During this module, student preparation and participation will play an important role in the overall learning environment. Students will need to be prepared to discuss and apply the theories and concepts covered throughout the module while using their communication and creativity skills. Additionally, assessment will allow students the necessary scope to propose their own account of the history of art and aesthetics while also reviewing and applying fundamental aesthetics concepts to their own visual compositions and to the visual compositions of others.
Students are required to attend all timetabled learning activities for this module. Participation in the workshops is important for both their learning experience and that of their classmates.
Assessment Methods
This module is assessed through one Individual Report and one Individual Portfolio.
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Compulsory
