What Is Beauty?
FYSEMR 35E
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
Beauty does not lie in the eye of the beholder, nor is it an inherent property of things; it is a tool for understanding that individuality and objectivity are not the only realities, and that more important than both is the social and distinctly human capacity to develop a shared subjectivity and thereby build a community. Beauty fosters sociality and forges bonds, which is why it has been a vital concept in every human civilization.
In the first part of the seminar, we will analyze Immanuel Kant's aesthetics; then we will study the evolution of beauty throughout Western history, drawing examples primarily from the culture of a country, Italy, that has successfully self-fashioned itself as the land of beauty. Project-based and collaborative assignments will promote informed discussions and student participation.
At the end of the semester, students will take part in a convivial activity at Prof. Erspamer's home to discover the beauty of cooking pasta alla carbonara together while discussing what we have learned in the seminar.
NOTE: Dinner preparations at Prof. Erspamer's home will take place on Monday, November 30, starting at 6:00 p.m., in lieu of the last afternoon class; Students who successfully participate in the program will be invited to apply to the summer study abroad program, "Beauty, Community, and Imagination", (Torino, Trento, and Siena, 2027).
Class Notes
First-Year Seminars are available only to first-year students. You may apply to both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 First-Year Seminars via the FYS lottery between July 6 and August 6, 2026 at 11:59PM-midnight.
You may apply to as many seminars each term as you would like, but we recommend you apply to at least six in fall and three in spring.
As part of your application, you must provide a brief statement on why you are interested in each seminar. You will be notified of lottery results for both fall and spring seminars at 5 pm on August 11. If you are unsuccessful in the lottery, you may still join any seminar with open seats. A list of open seminars and instructions on next steps will be available on the First-Year Seminar Program website August 11 at 12 Noon.
Not Available for Cross Registration
