AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO TEACHING INTRODUCTORY GEOLOGY: A COURSE ON ART AND GEOLOGY

Courses that integrate science and non-science disciplines are an appealing means of teaching introductory science concepts. The visual arts are particularly well-suited as a framework for teaching introductory geology, as evidenced by courses now offered at a number of universities. "Art and Geology," a course developed at Georgia Southern University, allows students to explore the connections between the earth sciences and visual arts using a highly interactive format that merges lecture, seminar, and lab/studio instruction.

The course structure consists of modules, each focused on a particular theme (such as European ice age cave art) or art medium (architecture, ceramics, metalwork and jewelry, painting and drawing, printmaking, and sculpture). The modules incorporate learning of fundamental art and geology concepts, which are conveyed through assigned readings, brief lectures, and classroom discussions. This knowledge is then applied through a variety of activities, usually centered on one or more case studies that amply illustrate the connections between art and geology. For example, a case study in the architecture module considers possible transportation mechanisms for the far-traveled bluestones of Stonehenge, a topic that supports a discussion of glacial erosion and deposition. Included in the course are two field trips, one to an inactive mineral quarry and another to an art museum, which allow students to apply course concepts in these settings.

The course, which has been taught previously to sophomore honors students, is being adapted for use in the core curriculum. The authors are currently engaged in an educational materials development project, the ultimate goal of which is the production of a widely adoptable textbook for general education courses on art and geology. The textbook will be designed to support hands-on and active learning, in keeping with the literature on "best practices" for teaching and learning. It is hoped that the availability of such a textbook will facilitate the dissemination of art and geology courses to other institutions.