This unit will explore in greater depth some of the topics that were raised initially in AR54 Arts and Creativity and AR546 Arts and Spirituality, which it will combine with developing practical and technical knowledge of the aesthetics of the visual arts. This unit will examine the concept of beauty as it operates in visual culture from a range of historical and contemporary perspectives. It explores the idea of ‘beauty’ in the everyday sense of the word and also in relation to philosophy and aesthetics. Students will develop critical and analytical thinking in regards to some of the questions and issues which aesthetics raises. The unit will cover such topics as: what is beauty?; standards of taste; what is an aesthetic response to art?; and what is the relationship between art and representation, expression and emotion? This unit approaches all these topics and questions also asking the underlying question of how the Christian faith and spirituality influences these questions and answers. The unit will also include some practical components for students to personally explore the concepts presented and discussed in class time. Topics: – Aesthetics of Visual Arts – Issues of aesthetics – Defining beauty – Standards of taste – Expression and emotion – Christian faith and spirituality