Course Schedule and Catalog

Long Title: ORIGAMI: MAKING THE MUNDANE BEAUTIFUL (WIESS)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: How does one transform something mundane into a piece of art? One answer to this is origami, an art form which has, in some form, existed for nearly as long as paper has been in Japan. In modern day origami is a thriving art, with numerous styles having evolved from an already varied and beautiful art. This class will explore the many things which have been described as origami, starting with the strictest definition, which is folding a single square of paper without cuts into some new shape, then branching out to the various art forms which have been described as such, from historical forms of origami in Japan to modular origami. By the end of the class students will have a grasp of general origami terminology, be able to recognize and fold up to high intermediate difficulty models, and have a basic understanding of the theory and history behind origami. No background in origami will be expected for the course. Paper will be provided and any materials required for the course will be uploaded to canvas. The course will draw on Robert Lang’s opus “Origami Design Secrets: Mathematical Methods for an Ancient Art” and many publicly available designs.