In the Presence of Beauty

REVISED

Spring 2012 quarter

Faculty

Robert Knapp physics, sustainable design , Suzanne Simons writing, journalism, sociology , Helena Meyer-Knapp politics and government

Fields of Study

architecture, cultural studies, education, history, music and visual arts

Preparatory for studies or careers in

design, art history, cultural studies, education, world history, architecture and visual arts.

Description

This program will explore the idea and the experience of beauty. Our thesis is that the sense of beauty has many facets, which different cultures recognize and value differently. Individual preferences also differ, always under the influence of powerful, shared traditions of beauty. We will dramatize and investigate this by paying extensive attention to three traditions in which the faculty have professional expertise—Iran, Japan and Britain. Significant differences between these traditions and between individual student and faculty experiences in the American context will be a major occasion of collaborative and individual learning.

Most class meetings will put students in the presence of beautiful art, writing, film, architecture or music; readings and seminars in criticism and cultural history and analytical and expressive writing assignments will help students develop authentic ways to articulate their descriptions and judgments. The work will lead to a major concluding project on an individually chosen instance of beauty. Students will acquire both a fuller understanding of the variety of ways one can encounter beauty, and of ways to document, appreciate and evaluate the experiences of beauty that occur.

The program has two levels of enrollment: all students will meet one night per week and every Saturday for a coordinated program of lectures, seminars, films and workshops. 16-unit students will also prepare for and take two two-day visits to cultural cultural resources in Northwest cities, to be in the immediate presence of beautiful things which can come only second-hand to campus.

Advertised Schedule

Wed 5:30-9:30pm; Sat 9am-5pm.

Location

Olympia

Online Learning

Enhanced Online Learning

Books

Greener Store

Schedule Details

Events Outside of Regular Schedule: 16-credit students will also have two overnight field trips to musical, architectural, and literary sites: Portland, Oregon on May 3/4 and Vancouver, B.C. on May 30/June 1.

Required Fees

$170 for overnight field trips for students choosing the 16- credit option.

Offered During

Day, Evening and Weekend

Program Revisions