FSEM 101 - Everyone’s a Critic: Thinking About Art, Pleasure, Beauty and Truth

In Better Living Through Criticism: How to Think About Art, Pleasure, Beauty and Truth New York Times film critic A.O. Scott suggests the art of critical thinking not only enhances our relationship with the world but improves our lives. Have you ever loved a movie that all your friends hated? Why do we like what we like? What forms our taste? By deeply engaging with all manner of art and performance you will further develop your own aesthetic, articulate your thoughts with greater clarity and confidently defend what you love. Over the course of the semester we will attend various performances, visit art installations, watch films, read books and listen to music. Course material ranges from the polarizing to the popular, from ballet to professional wrestling, The Office to Ovid, the telenovela to improv comedy. We will discuss, debate and disagree. Arguing can be fun! The semester culminates with an individual research project diving deep into your favorite genre/work.

Credits 1