One of the women of Gee's Bend works on a quilt during the 2005 ONB Magic City Art Connection in Birmingham, AL. (Image courtesy of André Natta on flickr. License CC BY.)
Instructor(s)
Prof. Heather Paxson
MIT Course Number
21A.501J / STS.074J
As Taught In
Spring 2013
Level
Undergraduate
Course Description
Course Features
Course Description
This course examines how people learn, practice, and evaluate traditional and contemporary craft techniques. Social science theories of design, embodiment, apprenticeship learning, skill, labor, expertise, and tacit knowledge are used to explore distinctions and connections among art, craft, and science. We will also discuss the commoditization of craft into market goods, collectible art, and tourism industries. Ethnographic and historical case studies include textiles, glassblowing, quilting, cheese making, industrial design, home cooking, factory and laboratory work, CAD-CAM. In-class demonstrations and hands-on craft projects will be included.