21A.501J | Fall 2024 | Undergraduate

Art, Craft, Science

Course Description

This course examines how people learn, practice, and evaluate traditional and contemporary craft techniques. Social science theories of design, embodiment, apprenticeship learning, skill, labor, expertise, and tacit knowledge are used to explore distinctions among art, craft, and science. It also discusses the …
This course examines how people learn, practice, and evaluate traditional and contemporary craft techniques. Social science theories of design, embodiment, apprenticeship learning, skill, labor, expertise, and tacit knowledge are used to explore distinctions among art, craft, and science. It also discusses the commoditization of craft into market goods, collectible art, and tourism industries. Ethnographic and historical case studies include textiles, Shaker furniture, glassblowing, quilting, cheesemaking, industrial design, home and professional cooking, factory and laboratory work, and CAD/CAM. Demonstrations, optional field trips, and/or hands-on craft projects may be included.
Activity Assignments with Examples
Readings
Student Work
Written Assignments with Examples
A pair of arms points two torches towards a glass model.
A glassblower puts the finishing touches on a glass fish. (Image courtesy of Erik Ogan on Flickr. License CC BY-NC-SA.)