The course explores the idea of aura in sports, performance, and art. How does a performer, athlete, or artwork have aura? What is aura and why does it have value? The course will think about the idea of aura in art theory, religious practice, and current performance theory. Aura has been described as a special quality of artwork that carries religious power in a secular setting. Aura has also been linked to a special human quality. The course will explore the ways athletes and performers carry a special quality to their movements, expressions, and performances. We will look at how Black literature, poetry, and visual arts portray athletes and performances to unveil a special quality to their work. And we will ask questions about the relation between aura and race, authenticity and Black performances across sports, music, and art. We will also ask the question of whether aura is a human quality or if creative work made by AI can also produce "aura."
5 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit
The course explores the idea of aura in sports, performance, and art. How does a performer, athlete, or artwork have aura? What is aura and why does it have value? The course will think about the idea of aura in art theory, religious practice, and current performance theory. Aura has been described as a special quality of artwork that carries religious power in a secular setting. Aura has also been linked to a special human quality. The course will explore the ways athletes and performers carry a special quality to their movements, expressions, and performances. We will look at how Black literature, poetry, and visual arts portray athletes and performances to unveil a special quality to their work. And we will ask questions about the relation between aura and race, authenticity and Black performances across sports, music, and art. We will also ask the question of whether aura is a human quality or if creative work made by AI can also produce "aura."
Offered in Autumn 2026 at Stanford University.