Teaching and Learning: Interdisciplinary Courses

• Telling the Story (of Hamlet)

  Learning Objectives

  To examine the story of Hamlet through the eyes of various writers, artists, and historians

  To examine how the context of a story can change the interpretation and message of a story

  To recognize contemporary references and trends in interpreting historical stories

• The Genes of Jeans: A History of Trade, Labour, and Luxury

  ‍Learning Objectives

  Practice techniques related to indigo dyeing and textile breakdown to understand the labor involved with denim markets

  Identify various cultural histories that have gone into the development of denim and denim culture

  Synthesize and acknowledge their own relationships to fashion, workwear, and the fashion cycles that guide their decision making

• Defining Ugly

  Catalog Course Description

  Throughout history, artists, poets, and designers have eagerly defined ‘ugly’-- a term that not only evolves with time but transforms within each frame of reference. This course examines the idea of ‘ugly’ as something that is physical, ethical, intellectual, social, and essentially intangible. While the concept of ‘ugly’ may be present across various fields and communities, the way it manifests is always different. Students will analyze historical descriptions of ‘ugly’ from a variety of perspectives and create and critique ‘ugly’ applications within their own fields of research. Students will encounter moments when ‘ugly’ has defined scientific, design, and social movements, and will have the opportunity to examine how their own West Lafayette and Purdue communities define it. In the course, we will read, discuss, and analyze a variety of written and visual mediums to understand the concept of ‘ugly’ across various cultures and time periods. We will also translate ‘ugly’ into one’s own field of research in order to create an artifact that demonstrates how the concept may affect its value and application. Finally, we will critique the socio-political and technological (design) implications of defining conceptual aesthetics and apply those in one’s own research.

  Learning Objectives

  Read, discuss, and analyze a variety of written and visual mediums to understand the concept of ‘ugly’ across various cultures and media.

  Translate ‘ugly’ into one’s own field of research in order to create an artifact that demonstrates how the concept may affect its value and application.

  Critique the implications of defining conceptual aesthetics and apply those in one’s own research.

• The Disney Effect

  Course Catalog Description

  It is important in this course to not only celebrate the institution that is Disney, but also to examine a variety of responses to what is called the ‘Disney Effect’ on American society. Students will examine the history of the Disney Empire and the creation of what we recognize as a Disney hero. We will discuss and critique the effects of this ideal on contemporary American society through the eyes of both the objective academic and the American youth. We will also have the opportunity to touch on the business model, gender issues, and animation technology of the Disney Empire.

  Learning objectives

  To discuss the birth and evolution of the Disney fairytale

  To identify archetypes within the Disney fairytale and how they have been integrated into society

  To recognize our contemporary idea of success in America and how it has changed in the last century

  To identify the effect of the Disney fairytale on contemporary American society

  To integrate critical questions and vocabulary into our reception of contemporary media

• Body Mods and Modern Bodies: Tattoos, Piercings, and Why Your Parents Care

• The Politics of Pockets

• Groupie Garb: Fan Fashion in Rock and Roll

(And a few descriptions— more to come!)