This course will focus on the idea of art as a form of human evolution, and art history, as the history of human consciousness We will examine the art of several cultures, both past and present. We will blend art and science in an attempt to connect aesthetics to an understanding of human nature from the cognitive and biological sciences. We will also compare and contrast art with several spiritual traditions from around the world. Along the way we will continually re-­examine our existing theories of art and art criticism both personally and culturally, and explore art making techniques and practices from a wide variety of cultures and perspectives . There will be a studio art component to this course which we will utilize as a laboratory to experiment with putting our investigations into practice. Students will be required to purchase some art supplies, document their experiments, and present them We will also have guest artists You need no previous art making experience, just an open mind, and the desire to investigate and have fun.