Making Judgements · SHS2 Art And Design Foundation

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 2.2.2.LI.1 - Discuss various aesthetic theories.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define the four main aesthetic theories: Imitationalism, Formalism, Instrumentalism, and Emotionalism, and state one key feature of each.
Categorise given art and design works according to the aesthetic theory that best explains their value.
Discuss at least two aesthetic theories in small groups, giving reasons why a particular artwork may be judged by one theory rather than another.
Present a group debate defending one aesthetic theory as the most appropriate lens for judging a selected Ghanaian cultural product.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Aesthetics and Criticism (Strand 2)
Sub-strand: Making Judgements (2.2)
Content standard: 2.2.2.CS.1 - 2.2.2.CS.1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of aesthetic theories as underlying principles for artistic expression. 2.2.2.LO.1 Apply aesthetic theories in the assessment of cultural products.
Indicator: 2.2.2.LI.1 - Discuss various aesthetic theories.
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 3 (Week 23 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 86

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Initiating Talk for Learning: In convenient groups, document and discuss aesthetic theories in class. Examples of aesthetic theories: Imitationalism, Formalism, Instrumentalism, and Emotionalism.
Structuring Talk for Learning: In smaller groups, engage in a debate to investigate the individual theories in art and design works.
Group Work/Collaborative Learning: In groups, test the aesthetic theories on selected art and design works for a class presentation.

Assessment (2.2.2.AS.1). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 1 Recall; Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding; Level 3 Strategic reasoning; Level 4 Extended critical thinking and reasoning.

Teaching and Learning Materials:
- The environment
- Textbooks
- web references
- audio-visual equipment
- projector
- computer
- LCD Screens
- flip charts
- TLMs on art theory
- institutional theory materials and tools for aesthetics and criticism