Reading group: Sacred vs. profane
Sacred vs. profane
Reading group based on interpretations from religious historian and phenomenologist Mircea Eliade's (1907-1986) classic book.
Instructor: Øystein Hauge
We will be using these sessions to take a closer look at the challenging yet necessary dialogue between theory/philosophy and creative art. Texts will be distributed prior to each session. Several editions of the main book are available, including the edition nominated for ”Århundrets 100 viktigste bøker” (Bokklubbens kulturbibliotek). Available in pocket edition (Gyldendal).
According to Eliade, pre-modern man's notion depended on something beyond life, which however is still centre of the world. When modern man breaks with this notion, he loses his inner direction, Eliade says. This idea has many followers among artists, sociologists and philosophers but it has also been criticised in post-modern society because it is based on metaphysical premises. Are we living in a society without a centre? How does this manifest the sacred in a secularised world?
Chapters for discussion: ”Det hellige rom”, ”Den hellige tid og mytene”, ”Naturhellighet og kosmisk religion” (Eliade). Critical supplements and other positions: ”Den samfunnsskapte virkelighet” (Peter Berger) and ”Mellom essens og konstruksjon” (Gilhus, Mikaelsson).
Time: Week 45, 46 and 47. Tuesdays 13–15.
Audience: 2BA and 3BA Depts of Fine Art and Specialised Art. Students from other departments are welcome to participate. Max 12 participants.
Place: Vaskerelven
Workform:
Reading group with two main objectives: Response (to ideas that each got during the reading of the texts), and discussion. Notion of art will of course be important. How do these thinkers relate to art – and vice versa: Has theory (essentialism, phenomenology ”creative hermeneutics”) influenced contemporary art? Everyone is encouraged to bring references (pictorial art, literature, movies, music etc.) and ideas that enlighten the essence of the texts.
Prequalifications:
The course starts 09/11/2010 / Week 45, and ends 23/11/2010 / Week 47
Location: Vaskerelven 8
Provider: Teori
Target group: Akademiet
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Target year of study: Bachelor 2
Bachelor 3
Capacity: 12
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