This course will provide insight into the mental processes used to create an aesthetic experience. The course begins with defining art appreciation. Next, the theories of the early 20th century psychologists Freud and Jung on art and the unconscious are covered. The course will discuss contemporary scientific research on the conscious and unconscious mental processes used during art appreciation. Finally, personality variables and contextual factors that affect preference for certain types of art will be examined. The course ends with a discussion of art appreciation in the future.
This course will meet online July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29.