Interdisciplinary Arts 0238 - Look Ma No Hands

We will learn about some of the practical and ordinary problems faced by individuals who do not have full use of their hands or arms, then design, fabricate and collaboratively design assistive devices. We will read Brilliant Imperfection by activist Eli Clare, a series of essays which explore cure-the deeply held belief that body-minds considered broken need to be fixed. We will look at how and where ideas of cure are presented in our culture, and how these ideas affect us. Projects may be for children or adults with temporary injuries/conditions or ongoing physical disabilities. We will also examine the concept of "Universal Design" - designing in a way that gracefully accommodates the range of human experience. Students in this class will develop problem solving, visual communication skills and a wide range of fabrication skills. There will be opportunities to work with the full range of materials and tools available in the Center for Design shop, such as metals, plastics, and basic electronics. The curriculum will include weekly design assignments, guest speakers, readings, film viewings, discussions about the design process itself, as well as a major project.

Arts, Design, and Media Independent Work Lab Fee: $60.00. Students are expected to devote at least eight hours a week outside of scheduled class time working on projects.