Topic for Fall 2014: Art and Biodiversity Conservation
We will explore the diversity of ways that art can be used to communicate complex environmental issues, particularly those related to biodiversity conservation. Art provides a conduit for communication among people speaking different languages, from different cultures, and from different educational backgrounds. Art can be used to communicate knowledge, as well as to gather knowledge. For example, Photovoices International is an organization which uses photography to aid in the communication between Indonesian whale-hunters, conservation organizations, and government officials. Through readings and special guest visits, we will explore how visual art has enhanced biodiversity conservation. The class will culminate in a visual art project that will engage the Lawrence and Appleton community in biodiversity conservation.