ART 190 - Art, Icons, and the Nature of Spirituality - Honors

Number of Credits: 3
Arts, Icons and the Nature of Spirituality will investigate the visual art of different wisdom traditions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and others) in order to uncover the ways in which the image becomes a supreme expression of the philosophy. Format: assigned reading, critical writing, discussion, and field excursions. (Spring Term Only) Three hours lecture each week. Three Credits. Three billable hours.

Pre-requisite(s): ENGL 101.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Explore the interdisciplinary nature of art and its symbols and religion through reading, analysis and discussion of selected works. (GE 1 2 PG 3)
Develop fundamental understanding of basic iconography in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and that of selected indigenous peoples. (GE 6 PG 4)
Attend field trips to various temples, churches and museums in order to experience affect image first hand. (GE 6 PG 4)
Read, analyze and discuss art historical perspectives in the works of Campbell, Coleman, Kramrich, Smith and others. (GE 2 PG 3)
Research and write in depth about the aesthetic and spiritual experience created by religious spiritual art in a particular tradition. (GE 1 6 PG 3)
Organize and deliver an oral presentation that demonstrates an understanding of the power of spiritual imagery to affect devotion and transcendence in one s self. (GE 1 PG 3)
Create (make build) and present a personal shrine that encapsulates the student’s interpretation of devotional art and artifact and which reflects personal growth and transcendence. (GE 5 PG 5)