Nintendo looked to the prehistoric civilization of Jomon as inspiration for its newest game in The Legend of Zelda series: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Intricate flame-like patterns, one of Jomon’s signifying visual features, can be found all over the game on guardian robots, in dungeons, and on Link’s Sheikah Slate. Another relic from the Jomon era, Dogu (clay figurines), appears in the form of an oven named Cherry, who provides Link with armor and weapons for his journey.
This summer, students will visit Baltimore’s renowned museums and go on their own historic journey in ART 216: Studies in Visual Culture (Prehistory through the 1750s). This course aims to provide students with an understanding of how societies and their histories are shaped by art and visual culture. While experiencing the great collections of the Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art, students will explore several significant moments in the history of world art dating from prehistory to the mid-eighteenth century. Architecture, painting, sculpture, religion, and philosophy are potential topics that may be discussed.
ART 216 is a six-week course offered during summer session 1. Classes will be held at the Lion Brothers Building in Baltimore.
]]>Baltimore is home to many sites tied to important moments in American history. From the Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry, which inspired the Star Spangled Banner, to the Edgar Allen Poe house, to the Pratt Street Riot at Camden Yards that lead to the first casualties of the Civil War.
This summer, students will have the opportunity to tell stories about Baltimore’s history in HIST 411: Public History Methods – Explore Baltimore Heritage. Using research, writing, and visual design skills, students will create compelling short stories about a historic site in Baltimore of their choosing. These stories will be featured on the Explore Baltimore Heritage website and app, to be enjoyed by residents, students, and visitors. This service learning opportunity is supported by Baltimore Heritage, a local nonprofit advocate for historic preservation and heritage education, and a variety of neighborhood-based partner organizations.
HIST 411 is a course offered during Summer Session I. HIST 411 is open to all majors. Prior HIST course prerequisite requirements will be waived for this class. For a waiver, please contact Carla Ison at ison@umbc.edu.
Classes will be held at the Lion Brothers Building in Baltimore. More information, including transportation options, can be found on the Special Programs website.
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