The purpose of science is to create factual knowledge. The purpose of art is to communicate things that may transcend simple language. At one time, however, all natural scientists were artists. Alexander von Humboldt, often considered the father of environmentalism was the first scientist to promote the concept of an ecosystem. Humboldt was fascinated by empirical data, but equally driven by a sense of wonder.
In pursuit of both science and creativity, 50:080:490 Art Through Science: Camden in Context is an innovative hands-on course is team taught by a biologist and an artist and has been designed to fulfill the Gen Ed requirement in either Art and Aesthetic Appreciation or Natural Science. Through on-site field work in Camden NJ, the class allows students to follow their own interests as they relate to Large-Scale Systems, Plant and Animal Biology, Life at the Micro Level, and Creating Resilient Ecosystems.
This class can be taken during Summer Session in the Department of Fine Arts as 50:080:490 Art Through Science: Camden in Context to fulfill the Gen Ed requirement Art and Aesthetic Appreciation. The class may also be taken in the Biology Department as Science Through Art: Camden in Context to fulfill the Gen Ed requirement Natural Science.
Current Syllabus here: 000-art-through-science