Teaching Workshop: Indian Aesthetics Through Textual Sources
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The teaching workshop series aims at providing a broad insight on the origins and development of Indian aesthetics by reading and commenting the relevant textual sources in translation; art and music are brought into the discussion as well. The focus is on the concept of rasa, "aesthetic experience".
Expected learning outcomes
Essential notions on: encounter between India and Europe; first studies on Indian aesthetics; theoretical reflection on theatre in India, main theories on literary aesthetics and on visual art aesthetics. Good command of key concepts of Indian aesthetics and ability to historically contextualize these.
Lesson period: First semester
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
1. Does an Indian aesthetics exist? The issue of Orientalism and Post-Colonial Studies. Indian philosophies. Introduction to A.K. Coomaraswamy, pioneer in Indian aesthetic studies.
2. The Natyasastra, the divine origins of theatre, and the concept of rasa, "aesthetic experience". The Kutiyattam, unique example of Sanskrit theatre still surviving in India.
3. The concept of rasa applied to Indian classical poetry. Anandavardhana: the three functions of language and the concept of dhvani, "poetic resonance".
4. The aesthetic conception of Abhinavagupta: the rasa of tranquillity; camatkara, "wonder"; the aesthetic experience prefigures the liberation from the cycle of rebirths.
5. Indian aesthetics in non-literary domain: Silpasastra, Vastusastra and Citrasutra.
2. The Natyasastra, the divine origins of theatre, and the concept of rasa, "aesthetic experience". The Kutiyattam, unique example of Sanskrit theatre still surviving in India.
3. The concept of rasa applied to Indian classical poetry. Anandavardhana: the three functions of language and the concept of dhvani, "poetic resonance".
4. The aesthetic conception of Abhinavagupta: the rasa of tranquillity; camatkara, "wonder"; the aesthetic experience prefigures the liberation from the cycle of rebirths.
5. Indian aesthetics in non-literary domain: Silpasastra, Vastusastra and Citrasutra.
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisites for admission.
Teaching methods
Lecturing in order to present the main topics. Students are divided into groups, to autonomously work on a specific text assigned by the professor; class discussions on the readings. Active participation of students in class.
Teaching Resources
Teaching materials will be provided in class.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Class participation and attendance. Group discussions to verify the understanding of key concepts and ideas.
- University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Policardi Chiara
Shifts:
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Professor:
Policardi ChiaraProfessor(s)