When disciplines intersect, unexpected educational opportunities can arise. At the University of Chicago, a course titled "The Chemistry of Artists' Materials" aims to blend art, history, and science. This unique class is taught by Assistant Instructional Professor Hannah Lant.

Lant was tasked with developing a chemistry course for UChicago's College Core Curriculum. Initially considering a focus on climate change due to her background in alternative energy, she decided instead to explore the humanities through chemistry. "Pigments and dyes always fascinated me," Lant said. Her artistic interests in stained glass, analog photography, and natural dyes inspired her to create this interdisciplinary course.

The class meets three times weekly for lectures and once for lab work. Students learn about chemistry fundamentals before applying their knowledge in hands-on lab sessions. Historical literature assignments prepare them for these labs by explaining traditional methods of producing artists' materials.

A notable lab session involved visiting the Joe and Rika Mansueto Library’s Preservation Laboratory. Here, students examined an early Meiji-era Japanese print using laboratory equipment to determine its chemical composition and production date.

Teaching assistant Katelyn Feuling described the course as "one of the coolest classes," emphasizing its practical applications in understanding everyday items scientifically. Student Alina Qiu found it "super interesting," noting its relevance to real-world applications.

By quarter's end, students will have gained skills applicable across various subjects, demonstrating that the boundary between sciences and humanities is minimal.