Art, Environment, and Place is an upper-division course at San Diego State University exploring the convergence of interdisciplinary art practice, field-based research and environmental studies through focused writing, readings, discussions, and presentations that demonstrate how important environmental issues, ecological concerns, and sustainable design practices are incorporated into the work of contemporary artists.

Detailed Course Description:
Innovative approaches to form and content are evolving in contemporary arts practice that transcend traditional boundaries of art making. Many artists are integrating various field research strategies borrowed from the natural sciences, geography, and other disciplines to create rich interdisciplinary works of art. Offering a critical examination of place, many of these projects focus on regional histories, environmental issues, or other ecological concerns. Some practitioners incorporate sustainable design into their work or propose actual remediation to ecologically challenged sites. The interdisciplinary nature of these art works encourages a diverse and varied audience.

This upper-division course is centered on focused readings, discussions, presentations, and screenings. Writing is a large component of this class. Students are required to post written responses to assigned readings at the course blog on a weekly basis. Projects include a group authored artist research presentation. Final project thesis papers and presentations will be due at the end of the semester.

Course Prerequisites:
Upper division standing or permission of instructor. Please note background in studio art is not required to take this course. Students from all academic and disciplinary areas are encouraged to enroll.

ART 596: Art, Environment, and Place meets on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9:40 pm in COM 207 during Spring 2012.