University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

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. What psychological processes are involved in experiencing art? Why are some things more aesthetically pleasing than others? Why do some people have a greater capacity to create aesthetic things? What defines something as art from a psychological standpoint? 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 theoretical, behavioural, and neurological viewpoints. We also consider the neurological factors that might heighten individual differences in the capacity to create and appreciate aesthetic objects, including mental disorders (e.g., frontotemporal dementia, autism) and atypical cognitive development (e.g., 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: 20

Guided independent study hours: 130

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%, Re-assessment applies to failed components only

Personnel

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

Intended learning outcomes

• understand psychological processes underlying the creation and appreciation of visual art, including aspects of psychological engagement inherent in the various movements and periods in Modern Art
• understand the role of individual differences, including neurological disorders and atypical developmental, in the creation of art
• engage critically with primary research material on existing theoretical and empirical approaches in the psychology of visual art
• identify challenges posed by research aimed at understanding the psychology of visual art, including behavioural and neuroscientific
• demonstrate creativity, independence of thought and reasoning in written critical evaluation of existing scientific ideas, theories and findings
• demonstrate ability to apply theoretical ideas and prior empirical work toward the development of new experimental ideas