PCA 232-EN - Seeing the World and the Self

Min Units: 3
Max Units: 3
When you look out the window do you see a tree or the rhythmic sway of dark line and bright color? Do you see a field of grass or waves of innumerable greens? This course will encourage you to see the world through the eyes of an artist by focusing on the natural world. To achieve this we will examine a variety of formats including poetry, the personal essay, painting, and photography in relation to key aesthetic concepts such as the sublime, the beautiful, and the picturesque. We will juxtapose contemporary writers and artists with those from earlier periods to demonstrate how the way we see the world is culturally determined. We will complement our readings with trips to nearby museums (IMA), galleries, and the studios of local artists. In addition, we will take advantage of such local natural resources as the grounds of the IMA, the canal walk, and Holcomb Gardens, where you will find the raw material for your own reflection and creative expression. (U) Fall, Spring