Geometry through Art

Geometry through Art is a CAA course where students see geometry as an art through lines, shapes and angles. This course is offered at Santa Cruz (First Session) and Haverford (Both sessions). There are no prerequisites.

Course Description

From the CTY Summer Catalog:

“Geometry is the right foundation of all painting.” In this way, the German artist Albrecht Dürer described a connection between mathematics and art that can be found in every culture. In this introductory geometry course, students learn about geometric figures, properties, and constructions, then use this knowledge to analyze works of art ranging from ancient Greek statues to the modern art of Salvador Dalí.

Beginning with the foundations of Euclidean geometry, including lines, angles, triangles, and other polygons, students examine tessellations and two-dimensional symmetry. Using what they learn about points, lines, and planes, students investigate the development of perspective in Renaissance art. Next they venture into three dimensions, analyzing the geometry of polyhedra and considering their place in ancient art. Finally, students explore non-Euclidean geometry and its links to twentieth-century art, including the drawings of M. C. Escher.

Through lectures, discussions, hands-on modeling, and small group work, students gain a strong foundation for the further study of geometry, as well as an appreciation of the mathematical aspects of art.

Note: Students who have taken a high school geometry class, should not take this course.

Note: This course exposes students to geometric properties and concepts but should not be used to replace a year-long high school geometry course.