Stephen Luecking
SYLLABUS
DESCRIPTION
This course is a practicum and seminar on the function of mathematics in the visual arts. Beginning with the techniques of constructive geometry used in the building of Neolithic monuments and continuing through to the contemporary mathematics of chaos, we will investigate these functions by creating works of art and engaging in class discussions. Although there are a number of practical uses of mathematics in the engineering of artistic monuments, the class will focus on the aesthetic and symbolic applications of mathematics throughout the history of art.
The primary goal of the course is to look at both art and mathematics as collaborating in the manifestation of our human nature and in resolving our relationship to the world around us. What tandem roles do both play in our urge to perceive and generate significant patterns and what are the purposes of such patterns? How do each work to help define the world we create for ourselves?
ORGANIZATION
The course is organized around a series of five practicum topics that sequentially trace the use of mathematics in art from pre-history to the present. Each topic will be accompanied by readings and a discussion session based on those readings. Starred readings may be read through by skimming over mathematics that is unfamiliar to you.
-Barrows, John; " The glass bead game: the music of the spheres." from The Artful Universe.
*Kappraff, J.; "The Relationship Between the Mathematics and Mysticism of the Golden Mean through History" from Hargittai, István ed.; Fivefold Symmetry.
*Verheyen, H. F.; "The Icosahedral Design of the Great Pyramid" from Hargattai ed.
*Makovicky, E.; "800-Year Old Pentagonal Tiling from Maragha, Iran and the New Varieties of Aperiodic Tiling it Inspired" from Hargittai, ed.
SESSION #7: Lecture and Discussion: Projective Geometry and Representing Reality
-Talbott, Stephen L.; "Seeing in Perspective" from The Future Does Not Compute.
SESSION #12: Lecture and discussion: Non-Euclidean Space in Modern Sculpture.
-Guillen, Michael; "Nothing Like Common Sense" and "A Stretch of the Imagination" from Bridges to Infinity.
*Peterson, Ivars; "Twists of Space", pp 46 - 61, from The Mathematical Tourist.
SESSION #16: Lecture and discussion: The Aesthetics and Science of Complexity.
SESSIONS #19 & 20: Presentation of papers and projects.
FINAL EXAM PERIOD (June 10, 2:45 - 5:00): Capstone discussion: Where is Order?
-Barrows, John; "All’s Well that Ends Well" from The Artful Universe.
-Anonymous; "Umpirical Truths".
1) Participate in first practicum.
3) Completion of paper or major project. You may opt to either write a 5 - 7 page paper or to create a major art project on a theme related to one of the class topics. Select your theme in consultation with the instructor. This will be worth 25% of your final grade.
4) Participate in one summary paper. The class will be divided into five small groups, one to cover each discussion topic. By the class following the discussion period, you are to have met with your group and prepared a two page summary of the salient points of the discussion. These will be presented to the class as a basis for review. This will count for 10% of your grade.
5) Complete discussion questionnaires from each of the five groups of readings. These are due at the beginning of the classes on which the respective discussions are to be held. Each questionnaire is to set out five or more questions that pop into your head during the readings. Type these out and rank in the order of importance to you.
6) Due to the intensely participatory nature of this course their will be a high attendance expectation. Attendance will count for 20% of your grade. One absence will not affect your grade. However, each subsequent absence will lower your attendance grade by one grade point. More than six absences will rate an FX for the final grade. It is common courtesy to notify the instructor prior to each absence, if possible, and to provide a valid excuse after each absence if prior notification is not possible.
Pi in the Sky by John Barrows
OFFICE HOURS
My office
hours are from 1:00pm until 3:00pm on Tuesday and Thursday and are held
either in room 320 or 335 Fullerton Building. My office phones are x2565
and x2566. My e-mail address is slueckin@wppost.depaul.edu. You
may call me at home between 10:00 and 10:30pm at 312-929-7404 Sunday thru
Thursday.
HON/IDS 300: Mathematics in Art
Spring 1996
SUPPLY LIST
You will need the following tools and materials by the second class period:
2) bow compass with inking attachment
3) 12" stainless steel ruler with cork back or metal-edged wood rule
These additional tools and materials will be due by the fourth class period:
6) french curve
7) india ink
8) pentel (or similar) pen
9) #4 or #6 round "white sable" or sableline brush
10) exacto knife with #11 blade
11) Uhu
glue stick
ART SUPPLY STORES
Via Howard El to Loop:
-Brudno’s, 350 W. Ontario (exit Grand)
-Utrecht, 332 S. Michigan (exit Adams & Wabash)
-Pearl, Chicago and Franklin (exit Chicago)
Via Ravenswood El north or
Lincoln bus #11 north:
-Lakeview Art Supply, 3359 N. Lincoln (exit Paulina)
Via Fullerton bus #74 west:
-Baraka’s,
2417 N. Western