Download the syllabus
How has natural history affected art and how has art affected natural history? To answer these questions, we will explore the mutual impact of these fields, discovering how technological innovations that enhance vision – such as the microscope, the telescope, the camera and digital imaging – affect our representations of nature. We will employ a fascinating, diverse set of readings to explore how modern medical illustrations stem from Da Vinci and the traditions embedded in the anatomical theater. We will also see how nature has inspired Hollywood films (Aliens, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Finding Nemo). Throughout the term, you will find examples of BioArt to contribute to a course database, and we will analyze the images in that database through a series of interdisciplinary assignments.
Course text
All of the readings are articles posted on E-Res.
Assignments
Class Portfolio
We will build a web-based database to explore the connections between visual art and biology, sort of an online exhibit. You will add the image, describe it, and outline its context. One of the challenges will be to identify keywords that anyone might use to recover the image. Here are some of the images students have contributed in the past: examples.
Assignments related to readings
For each article that you read you must turn in an assignment. Note that some days have multiple readings, and you’ll need to complete an assignment for each of those readings. You have two choices about what assignment to complete:
Choice 1: contribute a “unique posting” to the appropriate forum on discussion board on Blackboard. By unique posting, I mean that you cannot repeat information. If someone else has already mentioned it, you’ve got to come up with something else that reflects that you’ve done the reading.
OR
Choice 2: Write a one page (250 words) reflection on each article you’ve read; submit it via the digital dropbox feature on Blackboard.
Term Project
For your term project, you can research any biological theme. Take this opportunity to dive into something that you’ve always wanted to learn about, bit never had the opportunity to explore. Want to learn more about genetic modifications? Now’s your chance! Want to understand why the extinction of an apple snail is something that concerns you? Go for it! Keep in mind, however, that you aren’t simply reporting on a theme. You will be constructing an argumentative essay—complete with an arguable claim, as I’ve modeled for you in the lectures (see your Booth et al 2003 reading and the proposed outline at the end of this syllabus). You’ll also be creating a visual art piece that reflects your claim.
You are welcome to work in a group if you choose, and if you’d like to make a video, I highly encourage you to work in a group. If you choose this route, please indicate your intent to me in writing by January 14 when your topic proposal is due. Group projects will require a contract and a reflection.
This project has four components:
- Topic
- Literature Review and Claim
- Argumentative Essay
- Visual Art Piece