An introduction to observational astronomy for students who have taken or are currently taking a physical science class. Become proficient using the telescopes of the McConnell Rooftop observatory to observe celestial objects, including the moon, the sun, the planets, stars, nebulae, and galaxies. Learn celestial coordinate and time-keeping systems. Find out how telescopes and digital cameras work. Take digital images of celestial objects and learn basic techniques of digital image processing. Become familiar with measuring and classification techniques in observational astronomy.

For qualified juniors and seniors. Admission by permission of the instructor and director of the program. No more than 2 special studies or a total of 8 credits may count toward the concentration.

The capstone seminar brings together a cohort of concentrators to explore contemporary issues at the intersection of archives and public history. The seminar readings will focus each week on case studies about contemporary controversies in interpretation and dissemination that explore the competing uses of the past made by various groups.

An introduction to the theoretical and practical questions of building archives as well as a sampling of the surprising insights produced by archival research. The seven -- week lecture series will highlight archival discoveries made by faculty researchers, both the eureka moments of personal discovery and the ways archival research enriches and often significantly revises existing narratives or scholarly interpretations. Professional archivists and public historians will reflect on contemporary directions and challenges in their fields. Weekly readings and several short essays.

Normally for junior and senior majors. Written project description required.

This is a one-semester capstone course required of senior Plan B majors who graduate in May. Its purpose is to help students develop the skills necessary for presenting a cohesive exhibition of their work at the end of their final semester, as required by the Plan B Major. Its primary focus will be development of the critical judgment necessary for evaluating the art work they have produced to date in their selected studio sequence, and the culling and augmentation of this work as necessary.

This course considers architecture as a socially constructed place. We will examine how to analyze and intervene within the built environment. A final project, involving the manipulation/examination/interpretation of place and space through modeling and graphic communication or a multi-media research project will be required. Prerequisites: ARS 283, 285, and two art history courses, or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 12. A required fee of $75 to cover group supplied materials and/or printing will be charged at the time of registration.

Advanced exploration of photography as a means of visual expression. Lectures, assignments, and self-generated projects will provide a basis for critiques. A required fee of $75 to cover group supplied materials will be charged at the time of registration. Prerequisites: 282 and permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 15.

An opportunity for a student already familiar with the basic principles of the book arts and the structure of the book to pursue such as a manuscript or printed book based on the skills learned in The Book: Theory and Practice I, or commensurate studies elsewhere. All studies will be thoroughly augmented with study of original historical materials from the Mortimer Rare Book Room. Prerequisite ARS 275 and/or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 12. A required fee of $25 to cover group supplied materials will be charged at the time of registration.

Advanced study in printmaking, with emphasis on intaglio. A required fee of $75 to cover group supplied materials will be charged at the time of registration. Students may require additional supplies as well and will be responsible for purchasing them directly. Prerequisite: 272, or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 12.