What follows is a description of an introductory holography course titled “Lasers and Holography,” taught by the author at Columbia College Chicago since 1997. Because this is a science class at an arts college with an open admissions policy, these students have many different levels of education, dissimilar backgrounds, and varied fields of interest. There are no science majors. Therefore, specific learning objectives have been developed.
The author contends that for many of these students it is not enough to teach the physics of making holograms. To inspire and instill a lifelong appreciation for science and physics, one must go still deeper. Students need to be touched on more than just an intellectual level. Consequently, a broader approach is used. Ultimately, students may be stirred to want to learn more, and to be confident they can.
The paper addresses:
- Becoming aware of one’s individual state of seeing
- Perceptual illusions: their impact on the advancement of science and art
- Promoting artistic applications and exposing students to fine art holography
- Teaching holography as an information processing, as well as an image-making technology
- Introducing and exploring philosophical implications of holographic principles.
