ARTST 201 - Material Science for Makers

2 credit(s)
This interdisciplinary course introduces students to relationships between art, craft, design, and science as applied to processes and materials used for the production of functional objects such as tools, tableware, and clothing. Throughout history, scientific and empirical approaches have been used outside of the laboratory by artisans and craftspeople to improve our food, tools, and shelters for the benefit of our health and well-being. In ARTST 201, students will apply the creative process as they complete hand’s on making projects. In this course, students will also use the scientific method in their work as they explore how science and culture inform and influence our choices and treatment of physical materials used to make the things we need. We will evaluate these choices for their utility and investigate the materials and processes of production from scientific frameworks. We will also assess methods of production while considering issues of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Through lecture, reading, written reflection, and hand’s on making, students will explore attitudes towards consumption and the science behind the processes of making objects of use in indigenous, traditional, and industrial cultures. The course will be team taught by faculty from both the sciences and the arts.
Core Requirement(s): Counts toward core requirements: Sustainability and Artistic Practice and Creative Process.
Corequisite(s): SCI 201