Critical Analysis
	Damien Lennon

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Presentation
The Mona Lisa is a masterpiece, valued, cherished and recognised as an invaluable piece of art. But how many people actually like it? How many people would like to have it in their living room? How many people would consider hanging a dour portrait of an ugly grinning woman on their wall? To the art critic these questions are at best vulgar or ignorant, and at worst heresy. But the world and its culture are not comprised of a majority of art critics, or even of critics. Today's world is a world of "I want", "I like" and "I don't like". We express these desires and appreciations. (Why do I want or not want?…Why do I like or dislike?…) Are we capable consumers? Can the limits of our desires be drawn from a product trial? This course is an investigation into the personal and public arena of critical appreciation, and analysis. It is not a study of existing critical techniques, but a search for, and development of innate critical and analytical mechanisms which we are all possess inside.

Teaching objectives
1) To push students beyond unquestioning acceptance and adopt a more critical approach. 2) To develop their interpretative criteria. 3) To develop their expression of self - styled opinions in a dynamic and engaging way, in both oral and written capacities.

Format
One meeting weekly of 3 hours during 7 weeks.

Course content
Critical study of series of: Paintings, songs, pieces of music, sculptures, poems, excerpts from plays, new items and film excerpts.

Individual work
Each student will be expected to contribute significantly, primarily in an oral capacity (in-class contribution, presentations, debate, etc.), but also in compulsory written assignments given during the course.

Evaluation
The students will be evaluated not only on the quality of their written and oral contributions, but also on the effort and investment they put into their participation. It is essential to note that oral participation, in both qualitative and quantitative senses is a primary factor in evaluation. This however does not compensate for faiure to hand up compulsory assignments.

Recommended Level
At least a strong intermediate level in English.

See other courses taught by Damien Lennon

last updated May 31, 2003

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