AK2010 Aesthetics and Technology 7.5 credits

The fundamental concepts of aesthetics are introduced, and in particular their relation to technology and science. We study the relations of the arts to technology, and discuss for instance the effects of digitalization on music, visual art, photography, film and literature. This is an interdisciplinary course that has its main focus on aesthetics but also relates to academic studies of art, film, music, literature etc.

After completed course the student should be able to

• outline and explain the concept of art in some of its most important variants,
• describe important connections between the developments of technology and of art,
• analyse the effects of current technological developments, e.g. digitalisation, on forms of art,
• analyse, in an independent manner, an issue relating to the interplay betweem technology and aesthetics.

120 credits in technology or natural sciences, as well as Swedish B and English B (from Swedish gymnasium) or equivalent.

Course literature will be announced no later than four weeks before the course starts.

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

• DEL1 - Attendance, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
• TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• ÖVN1 - Exercises, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Attendance (DEL1;1,5 cr)
Exercises (ÖVN1;3 cr)
Final examination (TEN1;3 cr).

John Cantwell

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.