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Course profile

Philosophy & Art (PHIL2500)

Study period
Sem 1 2025
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Historical & Philosophical Inq

An introduction to aesthetics - the study of art, beauty and aesthetic experience - within the tradition of European philosophy with reference to the aesthetic theories of Plato, Kant, Schiller, Hegel, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Benjamin & Adorno.
This course may not run if there are fewer than 20 enrolments.

This course begins with Plato’s theories of art and beauty, and his acount of art as representation. It then examinesᅠthe tradition of German aesthetics in the modern period, including the work of Kant, Schiller, Hegel, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Adorno and Benjamin. Aesthetics is that branch of modern philosophy which raises questions about the nature of art, beauty and aesthetic experience. In our examination of key aesthetic theories we will consider a range of issues, including the significance of our aesthetic response to nature, the role of aesthetic experience in culture, and the connections between art, morality, and politics. We will also consider how these theories might contribute to deepening our appreciation of contemporary art and culture.ᅠ

Course requirements

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

PD250, PHIL7250

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Tutor

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Please consult my.UQ timetable for timetable information.

Students are to attend 13 weeks of classes during the semester, and 10 weeks of tutorials.

To ensure that you are allocated a suitable tutorial, you are advised to enrol in your chosen tutorialᅠas early as possible. Once a tutorial has reached capacity you will no longer be permitted to enrol in it.ᅠYou will not be able to change tutorials unless a vacancy becomes available and you must only attend your allocated tutorial.

NOTE:Tutorial capacity is 25. Depending on enrolment numbers allᅠtutorials listed on mySI-netᅠmay not be available.ᅠ

Aims and outcomes

This course aims to provide students with (1) discipline specific knowledge of the field of philosophical aesthetics; and (2) generic skills in research, critical analysis and verbal and written communication.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Understand and reflect critically on ancient and modern approaches to art, beauty and aesthetic experience

LO2.

Understand and analyse arguments, concepts and problems in aesthetics

LO3.

Understand better the complex nature of philosophical texts in the tradition of aesthetics

LO4.

Conduct advanced research independently

LO5.

Demonstrate reasoned thought, creativity, and a high quality of written expression

LO6.

Examine, discuss and debate the main issues regarding the relevance of aesthetic theories to our contemporary context

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Essay/ Critique Essay I 40% 1500 word essay

17/04/2025 2:00 pm

Marking criteria and rubrics are available in the 'Assessment' folder in Blackboard for this course.

Participation/ Student contribution Tutorial Participation
  • In-person
10%

Tutorials run from week 2 to week 12.

Essay/ Critique Essay II 50% 2000 word essay

30/05/2025 2:00 pm

Due 2PM on Friday May 30.

Assessment details

Essay I

Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
40% 1500 word essay
Due date

17/04/2025 2:00 pm

Marking criteria and rubrics are available in the 'Assessment' folder in Blackboard for this course.

Task description

Topic: Write a 1500 word essay on class material covered in weeks 2-6. Topics and detailed instructions will be provided on the course Blackboard site in the assessment folder. 

Referencing Style: Refer to task sheet.

Word Limits: A word count that is within +/- 10% of the set length (word limit) is acceptable. Word count does not include footnotes, however, discursive footnotes are included in the world count. A word count that is outside these 10% will receive a proportionate penalty and will be graded against the grading criteria.

AI: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.

Submission guidelines

Please submit your essay to turnitin before 2PM on the due date. Submission guidelines will be provided on the task sheet on the course blackboard site.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Tutorial Participation

  • In-person
Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Participation/ Student contribution
Weight
10%
Due date

Tutorials run from week 2 to week 12.

Task description

Students are required to attend weekly tutorials and to participate actively in a community of enquiry in tutorials.

You will be expected to:

  • Read the required reading prior to attending the tutorial
  • Prepare a question or comment on the reading each week.
  • Actively participate in class discussions.

More detailed instructions will be provided on the course blackboard site.

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Essay II

Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
50% 2000 word essay
Due date

30/05/2025 2:00 pm

Due 2PM on Friday May 30.

Task description

Topic: Write a 2000 word essay on class material covered in weeks 7-12. Topics and detailed instructions will be provided on the course Blackboard site in the assessment folder. 

Referencing Style: Refer to task sheet.

Word Limits: A word count that is within +/- 10% of the set length (word limit) is acceptable. Word count does not include footnotes, however, discursive footnotes are included in the world count. A word count that is outside these 10% will receive a proportionate penalty and will be graded against the grading criteria.

AI: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.

Submission guidelines

Essays should be submitted via Turnitin before 2PM on the due date. Instructions will be available in the Assessment folder on the course Blackboard site.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 0 - 24

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Grade 1, Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course: Grade 1, Low Fail (0-24%), is generally awarded in cases where some assessment has been submitted, but it is of wholly unsatisfactory standard or quantity. In work submitted, however, there is no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts of the field of study or basic requirements of the course.

2 (Fail) 25 - 44

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Grade 2, Fail: Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline: Grade 2, Fail (25-44%), is generally awarded to work that exhibits deficiencies in understanding and applying the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study, and as such, does not satisfy the basic requirements of the course. Often, one or more major items of assessment will not have been completed.

3 (Marginal Fail) 45 - 49

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: Grade 3, Demonstrates superficial or partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped or inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideas with lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to the conventions of the discipline: Grade 3, Marginal Fail (45-49%), is generally awarded if a student has submitted work that attempts to meet the knowledge and skill requirements of the course, but is only able to demonstrate a superficial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. Students will usually have attempted all major pieces of assessment and show that they have an identifiable, emerging ability to apply basic knowledge and skills.

4 (Pass) 50 - 64

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Grade 4, Pass: Demonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; develops routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justification; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline: Grade 4, Pass (50-64%), is generally awarded where all major items of assessment have been submitted. An adequate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study should be demonstrated and a functional skill level achieved.

5 (Credit) 65 - 74

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Grade 5, Credit: Demonstrates substantial understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline:= Grade 5, Credit (65-74%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and a substantial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study have been demonstrated.

6 (Distinction) 75 - 84

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Grade 6, As for 5, with frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; uses a level, style and means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience: Grade 6, Distinction (75-84%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and substantial knowledge of the deeper and more complex aspects of the course and field of study have been demonstrated.

7 (High Distinction) 85 - 100

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Grade 7, High Distinction: As for 6, with consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications: Grade 7, High Distinction (85-100%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and there is evidence that the deeper and more complex aspects of the course and field of study have been mastered.

Additional course grading information

Essay Assessment Criteria Philosophy


Your essays will be assessed according to the following criteria:


1. Ability to define the topic or philosophical issue under debate. (Topic definition.)

2. Ability to construct a well-reasoned argument for a certain point of view. (Argument and Structure.)

3. Depth and breadth of understanding of the various positions in a philosophical debate. (Scope and Depth of Treatment)

4. Insight and/or originality in interpreting texts or constructing a point of view or argument. (Originality)

5. Capacity to produce a polished, well-written and appropriately referenced essay. (Presentation)


To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85-100%), your essay should reflect an exceptional level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken extensive, high-level research, that you are able to form a very rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is original and creative. It should also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate and organise data and/or evidence in a critical manner and that you have a sophisticated and insightful understanding of problems and issues. Your essay will be very well written, clear and concise, pay strict attention to discipline conventions and have minimal, if any errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 85-100%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.


To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75-84%), your essay should reflect an advanced level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken wide research, that you are able to form a rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is coherent and convincing. It should also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a perceptive manner, and that your understanding of problems and issues is perceptive and insightful. Your essay will be well written, clear and concise, follow discipline conventions and have few errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the

assessment components) in the range 75-84%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.


To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65 – 74%) your essay should reflect a proficient level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken the expected level of research, that you are able to develop or adapt convincing arguments and justify them adequately, that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a proficient manner, and that you have a good understanding of problems and issues. The presentation and referencing of your essay will largely follow discipline conventions, perhaps have some errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation, and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 65-74%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.


To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50 – 64%) your essay should reflect functional achievement. It should demonstrate that you are able to apply fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research and have the basic ability to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, to offer insights and to develop routine arguments. Your organisation, writing, referencing, spelling and grammar will be adequate and use some of the discipline conventions to communicate appropriately: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 50-64%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.


To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45 – 49%), your essay should reflect developing levels of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have a superficial knowledge of fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research, made some attempt to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, and to offer insights. Your arguments, while underdeveloped, show your emerging ability to apply knowledge and skills. Your organisation, writing, spelling and grammar will be adequate, perhaps poor, and your referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent. Alternatively, your essay may, in part, be well written and suggest human engagement and achievement but (whether actually developed with the help of AI or not) will (a) mostly exhibit the stereotypical and/or superficial understanding characteristic of generative AI text and/or (b) mostly fail, in a manner characteristic of generative AI text, to develop a sustained (multi-layered) argument: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 45-49%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.


To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%) your essay will reflect deficiencies in skill acquisition and in your understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. It will demonstrate that you have not undertaken adequate research, that you are unable to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, or to offer insights adequately. Your arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate, your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate and referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent. Alternatively, your essay may suggest developing or higher achievement but (whether actually developed with the help of AI or not) will (a) exhibit the stereotypical and/or superficial understanding that is characteristic of generative AI text and/or (b) may fail to develop, in a way that is characteristic of generative AI text, a sustained (multi-layered) argument: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 25-44%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.


To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your essay will reflect minimal evidence of achievement, and exhibit deficiencies in skill acquisition and in your understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. It will demonstrate that you have not undertaken adequate research, that you are unable to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, and/or to offer insights adequately. Your arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate, your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate, and referencing and use of discipline

conventions poor/and or inconsistent: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 1-24%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.


Grade X: No assessable work received.


Tutorial Participation Assessment Criteria


Your tutorial participation will be assessed according to the following criteria:


1. Evidence of participation in discussions.

2. Evidence of preparation for the tutorial, most notably through completing the set readings.

3. Quality of contributions to discussions.

4. Fostering of group discussions, through courteous and respectful interactions with staff and students.

5. Attendance is necessary to fulfill the above criteria, as per the course requirements, but marks cannot be awarded for attendance alone.


To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85-100%), your attendance will be flawless and your participation exceptional. This grade reflects exceptional levels of preparation, mastery of course materials, and very high quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions. You should be able to engage with your peers very effectively.


To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75-84) your attendance will be excellent and your participation very substantial. This grade reflects excellent levels of preparation, knowledge of course materials, and high quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions. You should be able to engage with your peers effectively.


To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65 – 74%), your attendance and participation will be good. This grade reflects proficient levels of preparation, good knowledge of course materials, and good quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.


To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50 – 64%) your attendance and participation will be satisfactory. This grade reflects adequate levels of preparation and knowledge of course materials, and an acceptable quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.


To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45 – 49%) your attendance and participation will be unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation and superficial knowledge of course materials and basic levels of preparation. However, when in attendance, there is evidence of your ability to demonstrate developing achievement in contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.


To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%), your attendance and participation will be very unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation, minimal knowledge of course materials, little evidence of preparation, and mixed to low quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.


To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your attendance and participation will be unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation, an no evidence of preparation, and little or no evidence of quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions



Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

  • Failure to submit all major assessment items (those worth 15% and above) will result in a maximum grade of 2 (Fail).
  • By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration:‘I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment’.
  • All students must ensure that they receive their Turnitin receipt on every submission of assessment items. YOU MUST CHECK THAT THE RECEIPT CONFIRMS THAT SUBMISSION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL.
  • A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing.ᅠWithout evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after 7 calendar days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible so that they can confirm the outage with ITS.
  • It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they are submitting assessment items on a device that is capable of the task, and that appropriate internet bandwidth and speed is available. If you cannot be sure that your device or internet will enable you to complete or submit an assessment task, you must come onto campus and use one of the University Computers in the Library or Computer Labs.
  • Plagiarism, and asking or paying someone else to do your work is cheating and constitutes academic misconduct. See ECP Section 6.1
  • Feedback against the assessment criteria in the form of comments on your script will be provided through Turnitin or on your script directly.

For information on assessment remarks see: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/querying-result

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

See the School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry guides to essay writing:ᅠhttp://hapi.uq.edu.au/essay-writing-information.


Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks

From Week 1 To Week 13
(24 Feb - 01 Jun)

Lecture

Lecture series

A series of lectures addressing key figures and topics in philosophical aesthetics. The aim of these lectures is to introduce students to ancient and modern approaches to art, beauty and aesthetic experience, as well as to some critical perspectives on these approaches. Material presented in lectures will form the basis for further discussion and analysis in tutorials and assessment tasks.

Week 1

(24 Feb - 02 Mar)

Lecture

Week 1: What is Philosophical Aesthetics?

General introduction to the course with an explanation of what philosophical aesthetics is, what issues it raises, and the figures we will discuss.

Multiple weeks

From Week 2 To Week 12
(03 Mar - 25 May)

Tutorial

Tutorial Discussion

Group discussion of set weekly readings. Tutorials start in week 2.

Week 2

(03 Mar - 09 Mar)

Lecture

Week 2: Plato on Art

A discussion of Plato's theory of Art as Representation, and his understanding of the psychology of the reception of art. On the basis of this discussion we will assess Plato's proposed political censorship of the arts, and ask whether it can be justified.

Week 3

(10 Mar - 16 Mar)

Lecture

Week 3: Plato on Beauty and Wisdom

A discussion of Plato's conception of the kind of pleasure we take in art. We consider the questions of (i) how aesthetic pleasure differs from other kinds of pleasure, and (ii) what role aesthetic pleasures can play in the good life as Plato understands it.

Week 4

(17 Mar - 23 Mar)

Lecture

Week 4: Kant's subjectivist Aesthetics

A discussion of Kant's project in aesthetics and its historical background; namely 18th century aesthetic theories before Kant. We consider how Kant's aesthetic theory represents a resolution to a conflict between prior objectivist and subjectivist aesthetic theories.

Week 5

(24 Mar - 30 Mar)

Lecture

Week 5: Kant's subjectivist Aesthetics II

A discussion of Kant's account of aesthetic judgment and its background in his epistemology. We consider how aesthetic judgments differ from other kinds of judgments and what follows from this difference, and we reflect on the significance of aesthetic experience in human life in Kant's terms, and raise critical questions about Kant's project in aesthetics.

Week 6

(31 Mar - 06 Apr)

Lecture

Week 6: The Kantian Sublime

A discussion of Kant's account of fine art and genius, the moral and political significance of the distinction he draws between the beautiful and the Sublime, and the broader moral and political issues raised by the Kantian sublime.

Week 7

(07 Apr - 13 Apr)

Lecture

Week 7: Schiller and Romanticism

A discussion of Schiller's critical response to Kantian aesthetic theory, his theory of art as a form of education and an expression of the "play drive", and his account of aesthetics as redemption from alienation.

Week 8

(14 Apr - 20 Apr)

Lecture

Week 8: Hegel's "objectivist" Aesthetics

A discussion of Hegelメs critical response to Kantian aesthetics, and an introduction to his alternative 'objectivist' aesthetic theory. Themes covered include the relation between art and truth; the relation between form and content in works of art; and the significance of Hegel's account of the historical development of the arts. We also discuss Hegel's infamous end of art thesis.

Week 9

(28 Apr - 04 May)

Lecture

Week 9: Nietzsche on Nihilism and Art

A discussion of Nietzsche's aesthetics as it is presented in The Birth of Tragedy. Themes to be discussed include Nietzsche's understanding of tragedy as way of combating nihilism and existential dread, the relation between art and truth, and the role of art in cultural renewal.

Week 10

(05 May - 11 May)

Lecture

Week 10: Heidegger on Art and Technology

A discussion of Heidegger's reflections on the relation between art, technology and politics, and his critique of aesthetic theory.

Week 11

(12 May - 18 May)

Lecture

Week 11: Adorno on the Culture Industry

A discussion of Adorno and Horkheimer's seminal 'culture industry' essay. Topics covered include capitalism, the commodification of art, and the ideological function of the art in the 'culture industry'.

Week 12

(19 May - 25 May)

Lecture

Week 12 Benjamin on Art, Aura, and Technology

A discussion of Benjamin's thesis concerning the impact of techniques of 'mechanical reproduction' on the "aura" of the work of art. Topics to be discussed include the significance and cultural impact of the loss of the aura and its effects on art's reception, and the revolutionary potential of film as a vehicle for democratic expression.

Week 13

(26 May - 01 Jun)

Lecture

Week 13: Review

A critical review of the European aesthetic tradition drawing on feminist and postcolonial critiques.

Additional learning activity information

A critical review of the European aesthetic tradition drawing on feminist and postcolonial critiques.

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.