1. American Postmodernism Opening Lecture Dr. Michael Filas May 22, 2006

2. Postmodern Theory Ontological theory (identity & subjectivity); Epistemological theory (how we understand the world); Post-Marxist critique; Death of grand narratives; Deconstruction of structures; Absolute truth is unattainable.

3. Contemporary Aesthetics Depthlessness Lack of affect Historicity Objectivity Mix of high and low culture Mix of fact and fiction Camp Nested Narratives / Hypodiegetic worlds Rejection of decorative beauty Cool, or coldness

4. Michelangelo Buonarroti (Italian) The Last Judgment, Sistine Chapel, 1535-1541

5. Modernism Enlightenment (18th century Europe) Shift away from classical themes Deference to aristocracy Realism and Naturalism Rejection of aristocracy Impressionism High Modernism & Abstraction Master Narratives

6. Claude Monet (French) Garden at Sainte Adresse, 1876