Module HPS-1008:
Aesthetics of Power
Aesthetics of Power 2023-24
HPS-1008
2023-24
School Of History, Law And Social Sciences
Module - Semester 2
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Lucy Huskinson
Overview
The module begins with an overview of the theories of aesthetics described by the philosophers Edmund Burke and Immanuel Kant before drawing out the key characteristics of an ‘aesthetic experience’. Students will then apply these ideas to the domains of religion and politics.
Beginning with the religious domain, students will explore fundamental distinctions between the concepts of an idol and icon, and between a sign and a symbol within case studies of iconoclasm. Students will then apply theories of aesthetics to a case study of the Nazis, with special attention given to the Nazi ‘brand’ designed by Albert Speer that sought to showcase their conception of the ideal human form (the Aryan), complete with swastika logo and soldier’s uniforms designed by Hugo Boss. Here the concept of will to power is examined as the philosophical justification and grounding for Nazi ideals. Students will learn how the Nazis ran with the idea, having misappropriated it from the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and misunderstood it as a force of political domination over the individual. Students will explore these ideas in the context of Nazi architecture. First, with Hitler’s dream of redesigning the city of Berlin as Germania—the Nazi capital of the world—a city of colossal buildings to overpower the individual, followed by Speer’s design for the Olympic stadium of the 1936 Games, which sought to showcase the aesthetics of the ideal human form (the athletic Aryan, sporting physique). Students will learn how Nietzsche’s will to power was something more closely linked to the iconoclasts’ desire for spiritual refinement, which he expressed in architectural terms as empty material forms.
Assessment Strategy
-threshold -D- - D +. Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows: Generally accurate but with omissions and errors. Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning. Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions. Draws on a relatively narrow range of material. -good -Very Good B- - B+. Submitted work is competent throughout and distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: Very good structure and logically developed arguments. Draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning. Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style. -excellent -A - - A*. Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways: Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent. Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study. Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions. -another level-Good C- - C +. Submitted work is competent throughout and occasionally distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: Good structure and logically developed arguments. At least in parts draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. Assertions are, in the main, backed by evidence and sound reasoning. Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.
Learning Outcomes
- Be able to evaluate differences between icons and idols, symbols and signs, and some of their different roles in sacred and secular contexts.
- Be able to identify and describe different philosophical theories of aesthetics and understand their key similarities and differences.
- Be able to recognise ways in which aesthetic theories present themselves in a variety of different contexts, including religious and political contexts.
- To appreciate how a philosophical idea can change in meaning within different contexts and the repercussions of this change within a social context.
- To be able to demonstrate a grasp of basic study skills, including the ability to read critically, make effective notes, and competence oral presentation.
Assessment method
Essay
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Illustrated Glossary. Students will find images online that exemplify the various aesthetic categories of ‘art’ discussed in the modules and explain how they match the theory. 1500 words.
Weighting
50%
Due date
28/02/2022
Assessment method
Individual Presentation
Assessment type
Summative
Description
A 10-15-minute oral presentation (video/panopto or powerpoint presentation) that applies theory to an ‘artwork’ discussed in the module.
Weighting
50%