Course Details

This course will explore the use of mathematics to define, describe, and classify symmetry. After defining symmetry and group theory we will look at some examples of symmetry in art. The first examples will be from the Alhambra Palace in Granada. After background on the history of the Alhambra, we will look at the symmetries included in the various decorations on its floors, walls, and pillars. This discussion will segue into a look at the symmetries and other mathematical aspects of the art of MC Escher. The mathematical theory underlying symmetry and group theory has resulted in applications in crystallography, elementary particle physics, and art. This study group has a high class size capacity.