The course ‘Audio-visual Aesthetics’ is part of the program in DAMS (BA level) and is included among the complementary training activities. The aim of the course is to provide students with a background knowledge of some of the key aesthetic issues related to the ‘audio-vision’ – meant as a complex system of dynamic iconic and auditory forms. Particular emphasis will be ascribed to the relationship between sensory perceptions, emotions and imagery.
The course investigates the influences of sound on the perception of images, by examining contemporary forms of audio-vision as embodied in film music, video-clips, video art, and commercial television. More specifically, the course will analyse the different ways in which film music may create a specific feeling in relation to the scene represented on the screen, either by participating ‘empathically’ to the feeling expressed on the scene, or by creating a contrast with the emotion represented.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to:
(1) be acquainted with the main aesthetic issues related to the audio-visual system in the contemporary context.
(2) be able to analyse and understand philosophical texts in aesthetics related to the audio-visual system.
(3) be able to clearly outline and discuss the different theoretical and critical positions examined in the course.