Glass History (2nd Semester) 3h/week

This seminar, will examine from a very broad standpoint, the most fundamental moments and changes in the course of the historical evolution of glass. It will do so across the broadest spectrum imaginable, from the industrial production of containers including series and unique production artistic glass, through to glass in its architectural applications. It will arrive at and give special emphasis on the study of contemporary creative approaches. The Portuguese production of stained glass windows and of artistic glass will also be covered.
The lectures for this Seminar will include the collaboration of both Portuguese and foreign internal and external experts. Specific themes within this study area will be focused upon both in classroom lectures and in complementary conferences.

Summary of topics to be covered in this discipline

From glazes to Glass: experiences in the Antiquity from the 3rd millennium B.C.E. to the Classic A.
The origins of glass blowing.
Roman Glass: main production centres and masterpieces.
Architectural glass in the Middle Ages: Islamic glass; composition modalities and narratives of stained glass windows in Christian Europe (XI-XVI centuries).
Stained glass windows in Portugal, during the XV and XVI centuries.
The evolution of glass in Italy (Venice, Murano, and Altare) in the early Middle Ages and in the Renaissance.
Technological progress during the XVII century: the invention of Crystal, the manufacture of lenses and the making of mirrors.
The Industrial Revolution and glass in the XIX and XX centuries, mass production of containers and the development of new and more resistant materials for building construction.
Glass manufacturing in Portugal: from the factory of Coina to “Marinha Grande”.
Artistic glass in the XIX and XX centuries: the greatest artists seen within the context of each of the main techniques for glass forming.

------------------------------

A diploma of Post-graduate studies will be given to the students who have been approved in all the curricular units of the first year and would not intend to proceed to a 2nd year (dissertation). 

------------------------------

2nd Year (Dissertation)

In the second year the students can have their internship in any university after approval by the Scientific Commission of the course. Each student will be supervised by a Professor of Art or a Professor of Science or both.