Information Package
baskent.edu.tr

Program of Graphic Design

GRA489

CRITICISM

Course Code
GRA489
Semester
Seventh Term (Fall)
Theory+Practice
2 + 2
ECTS
3
Course TypeCompulsory Course
Course LevelBachelor's Degree
Year of Study4
SemesterSeventh Term (Fall)
ECTS3
Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, the students;

  1. Develops analytical and critical thinking skills.
  2. Can develop an aesthetic sense.
  3. Is able to evaluate their environment, their own work, and the work of others using art criticism methods.
  4. Forms a habit of gathering information and researching art, design, and science ethics.
  5. Can communicate visually, verbally, and in writing.
  6. Has time management skills.
  7. Gains awareness to use artificial intelligence tools ethically in appropriate design environments.
  8. Acquires the ability to transform sensory perception into aesthetic value.
Mode of DeliveryFace to face
PrerequisitesNo
Recommended Optional Programme Components
Course DescriptionThis course provides a theoretical and practical foundation for developing skills in analyzing, interpreting, and critiquing works of art. The historical development of art criticism, types of criticism, and methods are covered theoretically; the analysis of art works is aimed through the lenses of aesthetic theories, philosophy of art, and cultural contexts. Students enhance their critical thinking skills by analyzing selected art works from different periods and disciplines. The art work is examined with its pre-structural and post-structural layers, and visual reading, interpretation, and written/oral expression processes are supported. The course encourages both the examination of historical art criticisms and the creation of critical texts related to contemporary art practices, as well as their transfer to graphic design.
Course Contents
WEEK TOPICS
1st Week Introduction: An Introduction to Art Criticism and Basic Concepts (What is art? What is criticism? The function of criticism)
2nd Week The Historical Development of Art Criticism (Approaches to art criticism from antiquity to modernism)
3rd Week Aesthetic Theories I: Mimesis, Beauty, the Sublime (Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Burke)
4th Week Aesthetic Theories II: Modern and Postmodern Approaches (Danto, Lyotard, Eco, Baudrillard)
5th Week Art Philosophy and the Production of Meaning (The nature of art, the formation of meaning, the relationship with the viewer)
6th Week Visual Reading and Interpretation Skills (Elements of visual language, iconography and iconology)
7th Week Art Criticism in a Cultural Context (Society, ideology, identity, representation)
8th Week Midterm Exam
9th Week Work Analysis and Application
10th Week Work Analysis and Application
11th Week Work Analysis and Application
12th Week Work Analysis and Application
13th Week Work Analysis and Application
14th Week Work Analysis and Application
Recommended or Required ReadingBarthes, R. (2016). Mitolojiler (S. Rifat, Çev.). İletişim Yayınları. (Originally published at 1957)
Berger, J. (2003). Görme biçimleri (Y. Alogan, Çev.). Metis Yayınları. (Originally published at 1972)
Danto, A. C. (2013). Sanatın sonundan sonra: Çağdaş sanat ve tarihsel bağlam (S. Yücesoy, Çev.). Metis Yayınları.
Eco, U. (2010). Güzelliğin tarihi (A. Altınbaş, Çev.). Doğan Kitap.
Elkins, J. (2003). Visual studies: A skeptical introduction. Routledge.
Freedberg, D., & Gallese, V. (2007). Motion, emotion and empathy in esthetic experience. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 11(5), 197?203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2007.02.003
Nochlin, L. (1971). Why have there been no great women artists? Art News, 69(9), 22?39.
Sayre, H. M. (2012). A world of art (7th ed.). Pearson.
Sontag, S. (2011). Başkalarının acısına bakmak (D. Ş. Belge, Çev.). Agora Kitaplığı. (Orijinal eser 2003?te yayımlanmıştır)
Weitz, M. (1956). The role of theory in aesthetics. The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism, 15(1), 27?35. https://doi.org/10.2307/427562
Yasa Yaman, Z. (2018). Sanat eleştirisi ve kuramları. Ütopya Yayınevi.
Zolberg, V. L. (1990). Constructing a sociology of the arts. Cambridge University Press.
Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
  • Questions/Answers
  • Presentation
  • Project
  • Report Preparation
  • Discussion
  • Case Study
  • Problem Solving
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Quantity Percentage (%)
Mid-term 1 40
Assignment 8 10
Project 6 30
Total(%) 80
Contribution of In-term Studies to Overall Grade(%) 80
Contribution of Final Examination to Overall Grade(%) 20
Total(%) 100
ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload
Activities Quantity Duration (Hour) Total Workload (Hour)
Midterm exam 1 1 1
Preparation for Quiz
Individual or group work
Preparation for Final exam 2 2 4
Course hours 14 4 56
Preparation for Midterm exam
Laboratory (including preparation)
Final exam 1 1 1
Homework 10 1 10
Presentation (including preperation) 1 1 1
Project 5 1 5
Performance Practice 3 4 12
Total Work Load90
Total Work Load / 30 (h)3
ECTS Credit of the Course3
Language of InstructionTurkish
Work Placement(s)No

Programme Qualifications / Learning Outcomes

LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
K1 X
K2
K3
K4
K5 X X
K6
K7 X
K8
K9 X
K10 X
K11
K12
K13 X X
K14 X
K15 X
K16
K17 X