Art in the Natural World

Catalog description

This course will foster appreciation of art and the natural world through exploration of the flora, fauna, geology, and water systems. Students will use scientific and artistic observation skills to understand, relate, and respond to connections in nature. Students will learn how to identify species in the field and gain a base knowledge of natural history. Students will develop observational skills and a deeper awareness of their natural surroundings through scientific observation, visual expressions, and writing responses. Using a common visual language, utilizing the elements and principles of design, students will begin to develop an aesthetic awareness through observational collecting. Nature presents an installation ready to analyze, deepening the students' natural curiosity and ability to make connections. Most course work will be in the field and will include use of tools such as binoculars, microscopes, cameras, and sketchbooks. Goals for this course will include enhancing effective communication and critical and creative thinking. Students will use visual, oral, and written communication to express their observations of the natural world. Critical and creative thinking will be used to analyze and synthesize observations to develop independent research projects and presentations.