Karen Gunther, Department of Psychology & Stephen Morillo, Department of History
This course is an interdisciplinary study of color. Color is, of course, a large component of art, but what do other disciplines have to say about color? Neuroscience explains why we see color (photoreceptors through cortical color processing). Genetics has played an increasing role in understanding color vision - what exactly does it mean to be colorblind? The history of the chemical dye and pigment industry is also fascinating - from early restrictions on who could use which colors of dye, why some medieval art personifies devils in blue rather than in red, and the invention of synthetic pigments. Nature is filled with color, so we will also explore what makes such things as rainbows and iridescence. Color terminology across languages will be discussed.
We will explore these topics by discussing a variety of readings, both fiction and non-fiction, as well as through experiential projects involving both observation-based analysis and creative experimentation. No previous artistic training or experience is required or assumed.
