Module overview
W.B. Yeats writes 'The Second Coming'. Jean Sibelius composes his seventh symphony. Paul Cezanne paints his tenth picture of Mont Sainte-Victoire. All three are clearly acting in artistically creative ways; but how should we understand what they do, what their creativity consists in? Is it a matter of inspiration? Or is it a matter of rationality? Or perhaps of self-expression? Or even of trial-and-error? Indeed, should we regard these suggestions as alternatives to one another, as if at most one of them might be true?
These are the issues that this module explores. Drawing on writings from Plato to Kant, from Nietzsche to the present day, the aim is to explain and assess some of the most philosophically significant answers to the question: What is artistic creativity?
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The arguments for and against philosophical views of aesthetic creativity.
- Important philosophical views of aesthetic creativity.
Cognitive Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Interpret, synthesise and criticise complex texts and positions
- Articulate and defend your own views regarding the issues the module concerns
- Debate and criticise ideas and arguments in an even-handed fashion
- Present ideas, both orally and in writing, clearly and carefully
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Take notes from talks and written materials
- Undertake independent work, including identifying and using appropriate resources
- Work effectively to deadlines
- Contribute to discussion in a critical but dispassionate way
- Express views clearly and concisely
Syllabus
The syllabus may vary from year to year. Topics might include:
- Inspiration vs. perspiration
- Genius
- Creativity and rationality
- Aesthetic reasons
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
- Lectures
- In-class discussion
- One-on-one consultation with module co-ordinator
Learning activities include:
- Attending classes
- Contribution to class discussion
- Doing independent research for and writing assessed work
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 33 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 24 |
| Revision | 23 |
| Completion of assessment task | 22 |
| Follow-up work | 24 |
| Wider reading or practice | 24 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
A full reading list will be made available once the module is underway.
Journal Articles
Berys Gaut (2012). Creativity and Rationality. The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism, 70, pp. 259-270.
Textbooks
Immanuel Kant. Critique of Judgement, sections 46-50.
Plato. Ion.
Assessment
Formative
Formative assessment description
Business case or Essay planSummative
Summative assessment description
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 50% |
| Timed Assignment | 50% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External