Travel Journaling

Class Overview:

This course takes a creative approach to introducing students to the ways in which geography influences world cultures. Over the course of the class, students will investigate human relationships, politics, society, economics, science, technology, and most importantly, the arts. Special emphasis will be placed on discussing how and why regions differ.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• Demonstrate knowledge of common terms and concepts associated with the study of world cultures

• Demonstrate an informed personal artistic response to various cultures

• Critically analyze works in the arts and humanities from various world cultures

• Demonstrate an understanding of geography and the location of different cultural groups in the World Learn to identify, compare, and contrast elements that distinguish cultures from one another

• Develop analytical skills to compare and contrast cultural perspectives, practices, social structures, values, religions, and arts

• Learn of international connections including global issues, processes, trends, and systems

• Develop skilled use of watercolor, gouache, and other water-based media

• Create a water-based travel journal documenting independent research into the assigned regions, and eploring various water media.

Text: Highschool Geography and Cultures (available free)

https://guesthollow.com/guest-hollows-geography-cultures-online-textbook/

Expected minimum weekly time requirement:

1.5 hours at-home research

1.5 hours at-home studio time

(add an additional 1 hour of writing for honors credit)

1 hour in-class participation

Total course time is a total of 120-150 hours, equalling two 1/2 credit courses.

Watercolor

In-class instruction will focus primarily on water based art mediums and discussion of homework assignments. Students will learn techniques in glazing, lifting, granulating, and layering. They will also learn to implement lessons in medium selection, composition, and color harmony.

Mediums Covered:

Inktense

Soluble Graphite

Gouache

Watercolor pencils

Traditional Watercolor

Frisket/masking fluid

Granulation Medium

Waterbased ink

World Cultures

Student homework will focus primarily on researching and analyzing geography and world cultures. Through their reading and internet research, students will select personal areas of interest, and find reference images to inspire their work.

Regions covered

Canada & the US

Mexico & Central America

Caribbean

South America

UK

Switzerland Germany France

Nordic countries

Spain Italy & Greece

Russia

Israel, Iran & Iraq

Afghanistan

India and South Asia

China Korea & Japan and East Asia

Vietnam Thailand and Southeast Asia

Egypt & Sudan

Sahara & Morocco

Nigeria & Somolia

Madagascar

South Africa

Australia & New Zeland

Pacific Islands