University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: Available only to students in the second year of the Honours Programme.

Planned timetable: 11.00 am - 1.00 pm Wed

This module examines the psychology of artistic activity and aesthetic appreciation, both from the standpoint of the artistic object (e.g., painting), as well as the individual who creates or appreciates art. Why are some things more aesthetically pleasing than others? Why do some people have a greater capacity to create aesthetic things? The module will explore the links between aesthetic creation and appreciation on the one hand and perceptual and cognitive processes on the other. These links will be examined from behavioural and neurological viewpoints. A significant emphasis will be on the neurological conditions that heighten differences in the capacity to create and appreciate aesthetic objects, including mental disorders (e.g., frontotemporal dementia, autism, epilepsy) and atypical cognitive development (e.g., synaesthesia, dyslexia). This will be a critical seminar style module with readings and discussions.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass PS2002

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2-hour seminars plus office hour.

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 128

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: Coursework = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr D Vishwanath
Module teaching staff: Dr D Vishwanath
Module coordinator email dv10@st-andrews.ac.uk