The Visual Body

Catalog description

This course uses the field of anatomical illustration to explore the history of medicine and our understanding of the human body. Charting the influence of visual art and imaging systems as essential aspects of medicine, this survey of art and historical imagery connects the study of human anatomy with principles of visual literacy and design. In addition to researching historical publications through writing and discussions, students will produce a research portfolio based on illustrations examined in the course. Lab activities with human cadavers will help students learn the basics of human anatomy within a historical context. No fine arts skills are required to take this course: only an enthusiasm for the study of human anatomy and its visual history. Scientific research is often concerned with a constant progress toward future discoveries - but it is vital to understand the research and discoveries that came before our time. For medicine, this history is uniquely linked to the evolution of art, printing technology, and education. Any scientist would be well served by some knowledge of art and design. Experiments rarely change the world on their own, and much can be gained and lost in the communication of their results. But anatomy is especially reliant on images and illustrations (even after the invention of photography). In order to explore the unique relationship between medical discovery and art history, we have designed this course to be a space for interdisciplinary research. Co-taught by an artist and an anatomist, we will take advantage of an on-site cadaver lab and digital media resources to reimagine the history course as a site of discovery, design, and discussion.