Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0289 - Wonder

Wonder is the energy that motivates us in the world. It is the first passion, according to Rene Descartes, and it has no opposite. This art history course explores the manifestations and meanings of wonder in the Renaissance and in modern times. We will first look at the rainbow, the perfect sign of wonder that links nature, the human form, and the desire to make sense of the world. Themes will then include New World exploration and discovery; marvels of collecting and the wunderkammer; and finally the creation of artificial life. Wonder is often about the spaces between life and death, the normal and the extraordinary, the secular and the divine, the human and the artificial. Wonder blurs these boundaries by disrupting our preconceptions and making us look anew. Using art and installations, films, maps, and literature students will be encouraged to explore the experience and the power of wonder.

Writing and Research Students are expected to spend an additional 6-8 hours per week outside of class time on work and preparation.