Faculty Name

Bonnie Ploger

Document Type

Syllabi

School

CLA

Department

BIOL

Course Subject

BIOL

Course Number

3980

Course Section

01

Course Title

Topics: Natr/Art in Healthcare

Academic Term and Year

Spring 2016

Credits

4.00

Hamline Plan Letter

F

Area of Study

BIOL

Course Description

Goals: To examine recent scientific literature. To develop skills in evaluating experimental design and analysis. To gain basic understanding of the neurobiology of perception. To deepen understanding of evolution by applying evolutionary thinking to novel problems. To gain insight into how personal artistic and nature exploration impacts one’s own sense of well-being. Content: Critical examination of evidence that nature and art experiences affect human health and well-being, with investigation of the underlying mechanisms. The course will include study of perception, drawing parallels between how we perceive the environment and art, in terms of evolutionary influences and basic neurobiological mechanisms. For example, we will investigate whether human aesthetic pleasure from basic visual elements in art such as line, shape and rhythm might derive from evolved neurological mechanisms for detecting edges, faces and motion. Health topics will include the use of art and nature education and therapies in healthcare settings across the lifespan for people suffering from physical and psychological disorders. Classes will be highly experiential, including art-making, outdoor natural history exploration, discussion of primary literature and presentation of individual projects. Students taking this course may be eligible to apply for a limited number of summer internships that involve using art or nature in a healthcare setting. Prerequisite: BIOL 1800 & BIOL 1820, or permission of instructor

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