This course explores current interdisciplinary ideas on seven topics often understood to relate to the perennial question of the "origins of art": what is art and what is it for? when and how did art "begin"? "traditional" art in contemporary expressions; art and the brain; children’s art; art and illness; does art come to an end? Overall, we will explore dialogues between humanistic and scientific approaches to the basic issues, ranging from art history to neuroscience, and making use of campus and Bay Area archives, collections, and experts.

The course meets the L&S breadth requirement in Literature and Arts. 

*This course will not meet for discussion sections.