ESCI 389 - Histories of Art, Ritual, and the Earth: Ethical Research Practice and Exploration

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

(Same as ART 389) Earth History and Art History share the common goal of excavating the past to bring meaning to the present. This intensive combines the two to investigate a case study of human migration and ritual in medieval Iceland. Using methods from both disciplines, we unearth the history of the Hella caves of Iceland, thought to have been carved by pre-Viking settlers and used for early Christian monastic practice. The historical record currently holds that Scandinavians settled Iceland in the ninth century. Evidence from these manmade caves may reveal another story that could alter our understanding of Icelandic history. At the same time, we explore the ethics of traditional research methods in both fields and the extractive nature of “parachute science”, where foreign researchers extract knowledge without benefit to local societies. We probe the best practices for research in both fields and use what we learn to create an accessible exhibit for Vassar’s Geological Museum. Students gain skills from both disciplines, including field methods, scanning electron microscopy, and exhibition design. Laura Haynes and Elizabeth Lastra.

Prerequisite(s): One 200-level class in Earth Science or Art History and permission of the instructor.

One 2-hour period.

Course Format: INT