COURSE NUMBER  Math 5, Exploring Mathematics

COURSE TITLE        GEOMETRY IN ART AND ARCHITECTURE

CATALOG DESCRIPTION

In this course, we explore the many places where the fields of art and mathematics overlap. We will expose students to a wide range of art, covering a long historical period and a great variety of styles. Topics may include: sculpture in ancient Greece, use of proportion in art, perspective, perspective machines and cameras, golden section, knots, and symmetry, Twentieth-century geometric art, chaos, and fractals. The slide lecture format will be varied by demonstrations, hands-on class projects, guest lecturers, films, videos, computer graphics, and perhaps a field trip.

PREREQUISITES   None

COURSE OBJECTIVES

•    To use the student's interest in art or architecture as motivation for learning the mathematics needed to construct or to understand the work of art.

•    To use student's interest in mathematics as motivation for learning about art and art history.

•    To show that mathematics is not in an airtight compartment but is related to many other human endeavors.

READING    Course reader and reserve books.

GRADING

| Syllabus | Bibliography | The Book |