HON 3260: Honors Colloquium: Art and Environment

SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVES ON GLOBAL PROBLEMS • CRN: 15438 • Tuesday 10:30 – 1:00, Room 430 University Center

Pam Longobardi, Professor, Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design (404) 413-5246, office: 536 AH

Course Description

The focus of this course will be the cultural response to the global environment, as viewed from the standpoint of artists, scientists, philosophers and cultural activists. This course will examine the interdisciplinary approach taken by contemporary artists in the pursuit of our relationship to the natural world. The methods of inquiry of the interdisciplinary artist are indeed similar to the approach scientists take to study of particular subject matter. A scientific method of inquiry undertaken by artists involves experimentation, research and development, including an extended research study period, immersion in the environment under study, experimentation with modality of conveying information, materials and their properties, as well as natural processes. The differences in these two methods of research will also be discussed, including the differing intentionality of the scientist and the artist. Essays, texts and visual artworks will supplement the course material. Participants will plan and execute a research project designed to address an environmental issue of their choice. Guest speakers and artists will give their personal perspective on the subject.  Tuesday 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.