ESBA02 Everyday Aesthetics

Faculty of Arts
Spring 2026
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 5 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Lenka Lee, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Lenka Lee, Ph.D.
Department of Aesthetics – Faculty of Arts
Supplier department: Department of Aesthetics – Faculty of Arts
Timetable
Wed 12:00–13:40 B2.32, except Mon 20. 4. to Fri 24. 4.
Prerequisites
Basic orientation in the methodology and history of aesthetics and philosophy, good knowledge of English
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 30 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 23/30, only registered: 0/30, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/30
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 11 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Abstract
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.
Learning outcomes
The main objectives of the course can be summarized as follows:
- Develop a detailed understanding of the phenomenon of everyday aesthetics.
- Identify and explain the key concepts, historical background, and influential figures in the field.
- Gain familiarity with the foundational literature and major theoretical contributions.
- Apply everyday aesthetic (EA) methods to at least two areas of personal or academic interest.
Key topics
  • Introduction
  • Wind Mills
  • The Aesthetics of Weather
  • Urban Space, City Life
  • Aesthetics of Care
  • Expansive Approaches to Everyday Aesthetics
  • Village contra City
  • Flaneuurs
  • Integrating art into daily life (Deleuze)
  • Generative AI in artistic production
Study resources and literature
  • Yuriko Saito: “Everyday Aesthetics”, Philosophy and Literature, 25(1): 87–95
  • Naukkarinen, Ossi. 2013, “What is ‘Everyday’ in Everyday Aesthetics?” Contemporary Aesthetics, 11.
  • Naukkarinen, Ossi and Yuriko Saito (eds.), 2012, Artification, Special Volume 4 of Contemporary Aesthetics.
  • Yuriko Saito: 2007a, Everyday Aesthetics, Oxford: Oxford University Press
  • Everyday aestheticsprosaics, the play of culture and social identities. Edited by Katya Mandoki. Burlington, VT: Ashgate, 2007, xvii, 327. ISBN 9780754658894. info
Approaches, practices, and methods used in teaching
video lectures, online discussions, online presentations by professionals, reading
Method of verifying learning outcomes and course completion requirements
A video presentation on a pre-approaved topic, between 15-20 min.
Alternate completion
Participation from abroad without restrictions.
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
Teacher's information
This course involves online participations. All participants are required to have their cameras on while participating.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Spring 2024, Spring 2025, Spring 2027.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
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