Course detail

Everyday Aesthetics

FaVU-1EAEAcad. year: 2026/2027

The goal of this course is to introduce students to the phenomenon of everyday aesthetics, exploring its key concepts, central figures, foundational texts, major themes, and historical development. As a relatively recent sub-discipline of aesthetics—akin to fields like environmental aesthetics—everyday aesthetics offers fresh perspectives on how we engage with ordinary experiences and objects. The course also aims to familiarize students with the latest theoretical developments in the field, providing a comprehensive understanding of both its origins and contemporary debates.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Mgr. Václav Magid, Ph.D.

Department

Department of Art History and Theory (KTDU)

Entry knowledge

Basic orientation in the methodology and history of aesthetics and philosophy, good knowledge of English.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Development and delivery of a 15-20 minute video presentation on a pre-approved course topic.

Active participation in online discussions with cameras strictly turned on.

Independent reading of selected texts for each session.

Aims

Upon graduation of the course students can:

Develop a comprehensive and detailed understanding of everyday aesthetics as a contemporary discipline.

Explain and apply foundational concepts, historical context, and major theoretical ideas from the literature.

Independently apply everyday aesthetic (EA) analysis methods to at least two practical areas of interest.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

MANDOKI, Katya. Everyday aesthetics: prosaics, the play of culture and social identities. Burlington, VT: Ashgate, 2007. (EN)
NAUKKARINEN, Ossi and SAITO, Yuriko (eds.). Artification. Special Volume 4 of Contemporary Aesthetics, 2012. (EN)
NAUKKARINEN, Ossi. What is "Everyday" in Everyday Aesthetics? Contemporary Aesthetics, Vol. 11, 2013. (EN)
SAITO, Yuriko. Everyday Aesthetics. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007, xvii, 327 s. ISBN 9780754658894. (EN)
SAITO, Yuriko. "Everyday Aesthetics", Philosophy and Literature, 25(1): 87–95. (EN)

Type of course unit

Lecture

13 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Mgr. Václav Magid, Ph.D.

Syllabus

Online lectures and discussions based on readings.

1. Introduction to Everyday Aesthetics (historical roots and definitions).

2. Wind Mills – functional architecture and industrial aesthetics.

3. The Aesthetics of Weather – natural phenomena in everyday experience.

4. Urban Space and City Life – aesthetic appreciation of cities and streets.

5. Aesthetics of Care – ethical-aesthetic aspects of everyday activities.

6. Expansive Approaches to Everyday Aesthetics – Thomas Leddy’s concepts.

7. Village contra City – contrasts in environmental and everyday perception.

8. Flaneurs – the historical and modern figure of the city wanderer.

9. Integrating art into daily life – Gilles Deleuze’s perspective.

10. Generative AI in artistic production – modern aesthetic challenges.

11. Concluding online presentations, evaluation, and discussion.

Seminar

13 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Mgr. Václav Magid, Ph.D.

Individual preparation - study of technical texts

78 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Mgr. Václav Magid, Ph.D.