HIST 090M. Black Art: Quilting as History and Culture


This one-time, special projects course will teach students how to quilt while learning the history of African American quilt making. Designed in collaboration with the exhibit Piece Together: The Quilts of Mary Lee Bendolph, featured in the Swarthmore College List Gallery September 6-October 28, 2018. Artist-in-Residence Alicia Nock will teach students the skills and artistry necessary to design and construct quilts. Each student will have the opportunity to make their own quilt as well as work in collaboration with classmates to create a larger quilt. Quilts created in the course will join the display of quilts made by regional quilt makers and quilts made by three generations of Gee's Bend quilt makers hanging in the Atrium of McCabe Library.
Students will also study the history of African American quilting, a centuries old tradition with West African roots. Readings will focus on journal articles, an anthology on black fabric art, and a novel. Students will submit a short reflective essay and will attend the unveiling of the quilts in fall 2018.
0.5 credit
Eligible for BLST
Catalog chapter: History  
Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/history


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