ENGR 101 History and Hidden Principles of Geometry in Art and Applied Science
This course addresses the Enduring Question, "What is beauty, goodness, and truth?" We will survey how outstanding artists, architects, and scientists across history achieved astonishing beauty through simplicity. Basic graphical rules led to intricate creations to solve practical problems. We will uncover hidden threads in the layout of Stonehenge, Plato's Elements, classic proportions, illuminated manuscripts, medieval Gothic cathedrals, perspective in paintings, Leonardo da Vinci's genius in arts and mechanics, Copernicus' and Kepler's models of the cosmos, Renaissance fortresses and public architecture, and traditional building crafts. Their language was drawings with paper, pen, and compass. We will become familiar with selected methods and gain an appreciation for their continued importance. Weekly exercises and assignments will use the Bodleian Library and its specialty collections to explore aspects within their historical context. The final project will select an application and investigate it in a scholarly essay. A field trip to Wells Cathedral with its inverted Gothic arch - the only such structure worldwide- illustrates how an unusual challenge was solved. This course does not require technical or drawing skills and is open to all university students.