Blog Reflections

My basic expectations for the course were met in the sense that I learned something new about art. It was not the “technical” aspects, or the history of art, but rather the philosophy of art. In addition, as a Sociologist and philosopher, I was better able to see both the human and social interaction with images. Specifically, humans impact art in the social world, and the social world impacts humans through art. This was the most valuable insight, and will be used in my future sociological research and writing.

In light of this, defining art is from a philosophical view of aesthetics is the greatest lesson. Art isn’t just “pretty,” it makes people think. While I’ve always appreciated art that made me think within my worldview, I think I’m more able to see all art as “thinkable.”

I still do not have an absolute favorite visual artist. I still have an appreciation for art that makes me think, as I always have, however, I see the value in art that makes me think about thinking about it.

My view of online courses has not changed. They are tedious, and writing intensive (in addition to the 120 pages I’ve written for my other courses and graduate programs). Discussions are a free for all, and lack of feedback provides no guidance on what is expected from assignments. As the joke goes in Social Science, if you want to lower your GPA, take an online course.

The debate about online courses rages on in the Economics Department I work in, and the Sociology Department that I study in. There is no empirical evidence, no journal article, no statistical proof that online courses are better or easier. My personal experience is that they are harder with no interaction, and no feedback. But I am also a Sociologist who is completely dependent on social interaction as a social scientist that realizes that human beings are inherently social creatures. I understand that my views are not the views of all. They are however, representative of the views of most people in the social sciences.