Philosophy of Arts and Literature
- Arts
- 300 level
- 2 credit units
- 92 pages
- 12 units
This course introduces learners to the basic ideas of aesthetics, focusing on the meaning and nature of aesthetics itself. It explores thematic considerations in aesthetics, including the assessment of theories such as instrumentalism, emotivism, formalism, and autonomy in the study of artworks. The course uses practical illustrations, such as the philosophical and socio-political implications of colors in literature and the capacity of artworks for social change, using examples like Shakespeare's *Othello* and Orwell's *Animal Farm*.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 40 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- Yes
- Assignments
- Forum discussion presentations
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PHL323, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PHL323 · Unit 1: A Brief Revision on the Notion of Philosophy
The above excerpt makes our point more obvious. There is no particular race that is endowed with the ability to philosophize while others lack this gift. Notable Western philosophers who have denied the Africa the possibility of any reflective activities are Friedrich Hegel, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Thomas Hobbes etc.
What you should be able to do
- Understand the nature and task of philosophy.
- Identify philosophical tools used to interrogate other disciplines.
- Critically evaluate the social and philosophical significance of artworks.
- Identify and evaluate aesthetic theories.
- Understand the metaphysical significance of artworks.
- Distinguish between philosophy of literature and literature in philosophy.
What it prepares you for
- Literary Critic
- Cultural Analyst
- Philosopher
- Teacher
- Content Creator
- Education
- Media
- Arts and Culture
- Research
- Publishing
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: The Theory of Instrumentalism and African Works of Art
Unit 1: Autonomy, Quasi-Realism and Aesthetic Judgment
Understanding the nuances of quasi-realism requires grasping complex philosophical arguments and counterarguments.
- Module 3: Philosophy and Literature
Unit 3: Racism in Classical Literature
Analyzing the historical and cultural context of color symbolism requires careful interpretation of literary texts and historical sources.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 26 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Reflecting on Nature of Philosophy of Other Disciplines
Unit 1: A Brief Revision on the Notion of Philosophy · 1 hour
Revise the meanings of philosophy and relate them to scholars.. Evaluate the fundamental character of philosophy..
Unit 2: The Tools of Philosophy · 1 hour
Identify philosophical tools.. Critically evaluate the importance of logic and language in philosophy..
- Week 2Module 1: Reflecting on Nature of Philosophy of Other Disciplines
Unit 3: Philosophy and Other Disciplines · 1 hour
Itemize ways that philosophy interrogates other disciplines.. Assess the function of philosophy of other disciplines..
Unit 4: Aesthetics as a Branch of Philosophy · 1 hour
Provide a definition of aesthetics.. Identify the relationship between aesthetics and artworks..
- Week 3Module 1: Reflecting on Nature of Philosophy of Other Disciplines
Unit 5: Aesthetic Theories on Artworks · 2 hours
Itemize theories of art.. Critically evaluate theories for judging artworks..
- Week 4Module 2: The Theory of Instrumentalism and African Works of Art
Unit 1: Autonomy, Quasi-Realism and Aesthetic Judgment · 2 hours
Define the meaning of quasi-realism.. Define the concept of autonomy in artworks.. Critically evaluate autonomous conceptions of artwork..
- Week 5Module 2: The Theory of Instrumentalism and African Works of Art
Unit 2: Instrumentalism and African Art · 2 hours
Identify the theory of art applicable to Africans.. Evaluate the outlook of art as social practice among Africans..
- Week 6Module 2: The Theory of Instrumentalism and African Works of Art
Unit 3: Art as Social Practice · 2 hours
Identify artworks in Igbo and Yorùbá cultures.. Evaluate the instrumental significance of these artworks..
- Week 7Module 2: The Theory of Instrumentalism and African Works of Art
Unit 4: Music as a weapon of social change: A Study of Fela Anikulapo's "Blackism" · 2 hours
Highlight the outlook that art is instrumental in Fela.. Evaluate the ideology of social change in Fela's notion of Africanism through art..
- Week 8Module 3: Philosophy and Literature
Unit 1: Distinguishing Philosophy of Literature from Literature of Philosophy · 2 hours
Situate literature as a form of art.. Evaluate the unique features of philosophy of literature..
- Week 9Module 3: Philosophy and Literature
Unit 2: Truth and Fiction in Literature: A Case Study of George Orwell's *Animal Farm* · 2 hours
Identify a literary work with implications for social change.. React to the outlook that literary works are necessary fictions..
- Week 10Module 3: Philosophy and Literature
Unit 3: Racism in Classical Literature · 2 hours
Identify uses of the colors black and white for referring to people.. Identify how racism occurs in classical literature..
- Week 11Module 1: Reflecting on Nature of Philosophy of Other Disciplines
Module 1 Review · 2 hours
Review key concepts from Module 1.. Complete self-assessment exercises..
- Week 12Module 2: The Theory of Instrumentalism and African Works of Art
Module 2 Review · 2 hours
Review key concepts from Module 2.. Work on assignments related to African art..
- Week 13Module 3: Philosophy and Literature
Module 3 Review · 2 hours
Review key concepts from Module 3.. Prepare for final examination..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all module summaries to reinforce key concepts.
- Create concept maps linking aesthetic theories to specific artworks.
- Analyze the philosophical implications of literary works discussed in Units 7-9.
- Practice essay writing on potential exam topics, focusing on clear arguments and evidence.
- Allocate study time evenly across all modules, with extra focus on challenging units.
Questions students ask about this course
What is PHL323 about?
This course introduces learners to the basic ideas of aesthetics, focusing on the meaning and nature of aesthetics itself. It explores thematic considerations in aesthetics, including the assessment of theories such as instrumentalism, emotivism, formalism, and autonomy in the study of artworks. The course uses practical illustrations, such as the philosophical and socio-political implications of colors in literature and the capacity of artworks for social change, using examples like Shakespeare's *Othello* and Orwell's *Animal Farm*.
How many units does PHL323 have?
PHL323, Philosophy of Arts and Literature, has 12 units across 3 modules, over 92 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PHL323?
PHL323 carries 2 credit units, at 300 level in Arts.
Is PHL323 hard?
PHL323 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work, and it has a practical component.
How long does PHL323 take to study?
About 40 hours of study, spread across its 12 units.
How is PHL323 assessed?
PHL323 is assessed by assignments, forum discussion presentations and final examination.
What can I do with PHL323?
Literary Critic, Cultural Analyst, Philosopher, Teacher and Content Creator.