Geography and Art: Investigating Place

Geography and Art: Investigating Place approaches the study of place through the fields of science (geography) and art. How does one make sense of ones surroundings? How do we see, classify, measure and record place? What techniques do we use to communicate with one another our understanding of place?

In scientific research one works through hypotheses to document findings and conclusions; in artistic research one looks for patterns to find connections and interpretations. Our research will cover the common area where the disciplines overlap. How are these approaches and results the same and different? In this program, we will investigate our perceptions of place and further our inquiry by integrating basic tools in science and art. In the science portion, students will develop skills through interpretation of maps and spatial data, and site and landscape analysis. In visual art, students will acquire 2-D skills with an emphasis on drawing and a general understanding of contemporary concepts in visual culture. Students will use critical and technical skills as they learn to research, analyze and interpret environments through readings, seminars, writing and studio and computer labs.

We will learn how to read place from a physical, historical and interpretive perspective. Both geographical and artistic approaches are emphasized through lectures, readings and seminars. The studio component will give students basic drawing skills as a way of seeing, interpreting and recording information. The computer lab will use geographic techniques to analyze characteristics of place. There will be at least two field trips, one urban landscape and one rural landscape.