What we think about art has a direct impact on how we experience and make art. Visual aesthetics involves the study of art theory and the concept of “beauty” as it specifically relates to the visual arts. Through these courses, the student will examine and explore such timeless art questions as: What is art? What is the nature of art? What is the value of art? What is the function of art? How do we evaluate art? and What is beauty? In addition, the student will learn how to better “read” works of art through the study of symbolism and iconography.
Students read works of modern day and ancient philosophers and apply these questions to their method of making. Students also participate in the Annual Scholarship Symposium creating presentations demonstrating their research in their respective fields.