HUM 200 - Material Science for Makers

2 credit(s)
Through the lens of cultural values, 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 this course, students will 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 making using the scientific frameworks of physics and chemistry. We will also assess methods of production while considering issues of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Using Japanese culture as a unifying thread 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. Through the course of the semester, students will complete a simple sheath knife, a raku tea bowl, and a shibori-dyed article of clothing. The course will be team taught by faculty from both the School of Natural Sciences and the School of Humanities.
Corequisite(s): SCI 200.