Syllabi

Art History Class on Modern Art

In this 200-level art history course, students made thaumatropes, embroidered, created collages, and crafted rag rugs as part of their studies of modern art. Prompts for critical reflections, the collage project and the textile project are included below. 

Developed by Andrea Korda 

Paper Worlds: Documents in Victorian Literature and Culture

This syllabus is for a 3000-level literary studies course that paired the study of nineteenth-century literature with hands-on making as well as assigned listening to segments of the Victorian Samplings podcast. It includes two hands-on assignments (included below). 

Developed by Vanessa Warne

Assignments 

Writing Critical Reflections

This information sheet and rubric can be adapted to any hands-on crafting activity. 

Developed by Andrea Korda

Collage Project for an Art History Class (Modern Art)

Students engage with online databases of 19th-century periodicals to create a collage

Developed by Andrea Korda

Textile Project for an Art History Class (Modern Art)

Students create rag rugs or begin a crazy quilt for this project. 

Developed by Andrea Korda

Character Analysis

Students can write, fold, and seal a letter using 19th-century techniques as part of this assignment. 

Developed by Amanda Shubert 

Paper Worlds: Hands-On Assignment #1

There were THREE options for this hands-on assignment. Students were invited to experiment with a trio of small and simple paper crafts (choose three: a ghost signature, a mousetrap card, paper dolls, silhouettes, or a thaumatrope); make a paper kite; or, make a zoetrope. Students then shared images of what they made and a written reflection about their process and what they learned about the role of paper in Victorian middle-class leisure.

Developed by Vanessa Warne

Paper Worlds: Hands-On Assignment #2

The following assignment developed 3000-level literature students’ knowledge of literary texts, narrative, and material culture through the creation and use of a moving panorama.

Developed by Vanessa Warne

Pinhole Photography Assignment: Written Reflection and Exhibition Label

This pinhole photography assignment guides students through a process of hands-on making as well as written reflection. Students will make their own cameras, scan the contents of the camera, and process them digitally. They will then author a reflection on their experiences. This assignment allows students to deepen their knowledge both of the early history of photography and of the importance of photography to Victorian culture.

Developed by Vanessa Warne

Sample Syllabi and Assignments 

Explore syllabi and assignments developed by Crafting Communities team members and collaborators