FYS 1050 CRAFT: HISTORY & MAKING

This first-year seminar will examine the impact and influence of the Arts and Crafts movement combining historical analysis with interactive exploration. Students will explore the historical roots of modern craft beginning with the Arts and Crafts movement (ca. 1860-1930) and its pioneering visionaries, William Morris and John Ruskin and their responses to the Industrial Revolution. With a keen focus on intersectionality and identity, the course will scrutinize the various facets of craft education, publication, business, and exhibition, shedding light on the significant contributions of women to the movement. Through engaging workshops and hands-on projects encompassing needlepoint, pattern design, and printmaking among others, students will immerse themselves in the ethos of the handicraft movement. The seminar will probe the enduring influence of the Arts and Crafts movement on contemporary society, highlighting its pervasive imagery and lasting impact in contemporary brand collaborations. While prior experience in crafting is not obligatory, an enthusiastic spirit for experimentation and discovery is encouraged.