PHI2005 : Consciousness, Art and Technology
PHI2005 : Consciousness, Art and Technology
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Adam Potts
- Owning School: School X
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
This module focuses on key developments in the arts, with particular reference to the avant-garde, and philosophy in the twentieth century. We will consider the political potential of art and key ideas from twentieth-century continental philosophy. We will also consider the relation, and overlap, between art and philosophy.
Outline Of Syllabus
Topics covered will include things such as:
- Art and revolution
- Dada and anti-art
- Surrealism and unconscious
- Transgression
- Postmodernism
- Spectacle
- Marxism
- Sound, music and technology
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
Students will:
• Become acquainted with some of the major developments in twentieth-century aesthetics
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the relationship between art and politics
• Become acquainted with themes in the philosophy of art and key ideas from twentieth-century continental philosophy
• Develop an understanding of the relationship between consciousness and the unconsciousness and the stakes of the technological transformation of artistic techniques for our understanding of artworks.
Intended Skill Outcomes
Students will:
• be able to use the terminology of philosophy discussed
• develop good skills of analytical and critical thinking
• engage critically and sensitively of key texts, drawn from a variety of ages and traditions
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 44:00 | 44:00 | Essay preparation and completion |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Tutorials |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Specific research or reading activities developed and directed by academic staff |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 104:00 | 104:00 | Review lecture material, prepare for small group teaching and assessment |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures introduce central themes in the philosophy of art and provide an introduction to basic concepts and techniques in modern philosophy.
Seminars allow students to try out and critically engage with the themes, concepts and techniques as set out in the lectures to specific artworks.
Reading and reflecting on books and articles will take place in private study
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | M | 25 | 1000 word essay |
| Essay | 2 | A | 75 | 3000 word essay |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The essays test the ability to think creatively, self-critically and independently as well as managing one’s own work to set time limits. This assessment method also gauges the students’ ability to move between generalisation and appropriately detailed discussion, and to cite relevant texts and interpret them adequately.
Students will be assessed on their knowledge of the way in which philosophers have discussed art and the application of various philosophical ideas to examples of art.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHI2005's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- PHI2005's past Exam Papers
General Notes
Original Handbook text:
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.
Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.