BIOLOGY 947
TEXTBOOK: Art and Science: The Artistry of Anatomy by Mecham and Mecham
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This is a linked course with ART 944: The Figure in Art. Students must be cross enrolled in both courses. In this course students will explore five main themes: scientific depiction and representation of living forms: human, other mammals, and vascular plants; biology of human skeletal-muscular systems and surface features; the two and three dimensional expression of human anatomy; the relationship of functional morphology to culture and art; and the role of the anatomical sciences in society. The expression of he human form, whether it be portraiture or figurative, is at the center of our experience and describes how we see the world and how we see our selves in it. Throughout human history, the depiction of the human figure has had measurable impacts on society and culture; and society's current perception of the normal, desirable, and/or perfect form impacts our lives through how we as individuals and a society determine and view our diet, nutrition, conditioning, role models, visual and performing arts, stereotypes, gender roles, and in many case, our friends and our enemies.
Understanding the functional anatomy of the various systems that create our morphology, such as the skeletal system, integumentary system, and the muscular system are not only important in the portrayal of human form but are required to understand and potentially remedy modern human stresses such as the impacts of space travel, extreme sports, performance arts, and increased longevity.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Understand the history of the scientific depiction and representation of plant, animal, and the human form.
- Knowledge of the human skeletal-muscular systems.
- Understand the relationship of functional morphology to culture and art.
- Knowledge of the role of the anatomical sciences in society and the social and public policy implications of the anatomical sciences including ethical and moral issues from historical and contemporary perspectives; and understand the aspects of the anatomical sciences that would assist in making informed decisions about science in society.
- Examine how hypotheses are formulated and tested and ways that science moves from hypothesis to general acceptance of ideas, and that science advances by amendment.
- Differentiate among scientific models
- Identify and locate sources of reliable science and art information for the general public; read and understand relevant articles; and use knowledge of science and art to construct reasoned arguments concerning a societal issue.
TOPICS COVERED:
- Overview of anatomy and culture
- Evolution of Form
- From and Proportion
- Size, Shape, and Design
- Pattern
- Bone
- Art Space - "Gesture"
- Head and Skull
- Axial Skeleton
- Appendicular Skeleton - Upper
- Vertebrate Form
- Raulston Arboretum
- Vascular Plant form and Function
- Articulations and Actions
- Greenway walk to NC Museum of Art- Photograph Exhibition
- Muscle
- Major Muscles
- Muscles of Head and Neck
- Torso
- Muscles - Upper Limbs
- Muscles - Lower Limbs
- Surface Anatomy
- Imaging Technology
- NC
