Course Syllabus

 

Semester & Location:	Summer session 1 2026 - DIS Copenhagen
Type & Credits:	3 credits
Major Disciplines:	Biology, Biomedicine / Environmental Science / Visual Arts
Related Disciplines:	Communication / Environmental Studies
Faculty Member:	Rikke Pedersen (current students please use the canvas inbox to contact)
Program contact:	Science and Health Department shsupport@dis.dk
Program Director:	Susana Dietrich
Time & Place:	TBA

 

Faculty

Rikke Pedersen Rikke is a freelance maker and facilitator within drawing, design and ecological thinking.  She has professional experience within illustration, communication design, experience design, and workshop facilitation for companies, NGO’s and in research settings. Connecting storytelling, embodied practises and workshop facilitation, her own practise is particularly focused on exploring human relationships with the more-than-human as enabler for change. M.A. (Engaged Ecology, Schumacher College, UK, 2022). B.A. and Specialist Diploma (Communication Design, Kolding School of Design, DK, 2009).

Course Description 

During this course we will explore the interconnectedness between species and contextual ecologies through research, synthesizing, and image making. Beginning with the centering of one species, we will focus on understanding the contextual ecologies and interspecies interactions that create the specific life conditions for the centered species.

Using collections of birds, this course connects three components of Illustrating Science: a) deep work within drawing and visual storytelling; b) talks by scientists on specific topics to lead the exploration and form understanding for the artists; and c) research to find knots of relationality with other species, places, climates, and other elements.

 

Intended student audience

This course will appeal to students who have a strong interest in the language and techniques of drawing, ecology and/or science illustration. Prior art experience is not required, although could be an advantage.

 

Expected Learning Outcomes (to be updated)

By the end of the course, students will:

1. Gain a deeper facility of several media traditionally used for science illustration, specifically, pencil, pen and ink and watercolor. 
2. Understand the history, conventions and language of science illustration
3. Create multiple examples of work in three different techniques.
4. Create a final illustration project, based on their interests.

 

Major Topics/Modules

1. History, language and uses of Science illustration
2. Practical techniques - Pencil, pen and ink, watercolor
3. Botanical illustration
4. Zoological illustration
5. Illustrations of relationality and ecology
6. Individual and collective ways of knowing and making

 

Materials

A list of materials provided (by DIS) and materials that the students will be responsible for will be updated soon.

 

Required Readings (to be determined)

The required readings are available on Canvas under Modules, in the Classroom, or in the DIS Library.

 

Expectations

The expectations for the class are as follows:

- Participants will be on time and attend all class sessions- we are meeting once a week as a class, so time is precious! 

- Participants will fully engage, in all group exercises and field trips. 

- Participants will do the work on time, as many of the exercises build off of the previous week’s work.

- Participants will complete all independent sketchbook work. A list of independent exercises will be given in the first class, and will be designed to advance our observational and drafting skills. 

- Participants will participate in classroom viewings, where all members of the class share their work. This is a time for feedback and critical thinking about our work. 

- Participants will bring all necessary materials to every class, ready for use.

-The class will culminate in a Final Project, integrating techniques, media and communication skills acquired throughout the semester. 

Evaluation and Grading

Based on the Expectations, participants will be evaluated on their effort, both in class and in independent work. 

Grade breakdown:

Component	Weight
Attendance & Participation	20%
Class work/Field studies	30%
Independent sketchbook	25%
Final Project	25%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**Note**:  To be eligible for a passing grade in this class you must complete all of the assigned work.  

 

Field Studies

These may include some or all of the below:

The Copenhagen Zoo / Zoologisk Have København

The Botanical Garden / Botanisk Have

Museum of Natural History / Statens Naturhistoriske Museum

The National Aquarium / Den Blå Planet

 

DIS Contacts

Science & Health Program Office: Vestergade 7-37 shsupport@dis.dk

Policies 

Use of Laptops or Phones in Class

Laptops and phones may be used for class reference, or work, but otherwise should not be a distraction for the class.

Policy on late papers and/or assignments

Late assignments will be accepted by appointment with the lecturer, grade will be reduced.

 Academic Regulations  

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on: 

• Course Enrollment and Grading  
• Academic Expectations and Honor Code 

  DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org