Beauty does not lie in the eye of the beholder, nor is it an inherent property of things; it is a tool for understanding that individuality and objectivity are not the only realities, and that more important than both is the social and distinctly human capacity to develop a shared subjectivity and thereby build a community. Beauty fosters sociality and forges bonds, which is why it has been a vital concept in every human civilization.
In the first part of the seminar, we will analyze Immanuel Kant's aesthetics; then we will study the evolution of beauty throughout Western history, drawing examples primarily from the culture of a country, Italy, that has successfully self-fashioned itself as the land of beauty. Project-based and collaborative assignments will promote informed discussions and student participation.
At the end of the semester, students will take part in a convivial activity at Prof. Erspamer's home to discover the beauty of cooking a pasta alla carbonara together while discussing what we have learned in the seminar.
NOTE: Dinner preparations at Prof. Erspamer's home will take place on Monday, November 30, starting at 6:00 p.m., in lieu of the last afternoon class; Students who successfully participate in the program will be invited to apply to the summer study abroad program, "Beauty, Community, and Imagination", (Torino, Trento and, Siena, 2027)
