Artworks usually are formed around certain ideas that shape and construct them. Philosophers and critics as well as other artists have long sensed this connection between image (artwork) and text (discourse). Many tried to define these relations, inspiring much discussion and creating their research field known as Aesthetics. Philosophy of art and Aesthetics are interested in fundamental questions of the nature of art. They strive to find out what does art mean OR is it important and practical (useful)? During this course we study the specific motivations and meanings behind individual artworks or art movements; we use the works of artists from all periods to explore and understand some of the most important questions and ideas about art. Each subject involves a set of images and certain texts that students are asked to read before each session and discussion is encouraged throughout.