Context, Content, and Practices in Art + Design Education

This course examines the development of visual arts education in its connection to general education. At each stage of the investigation, issues are examined in terms of the relationship between, context, content, and pedagogical practice. There is a particular emphasis in this course on exploring the manner in which belief systems shape curriculum construction within elementary and secondary schools. Major topics of investigation include: varying curricular shifts in visual arts education, standards and accountability, the diverse classroom, political mandates, public school re-design, and the role of unions and professional associations.