Undergraduate Curriculum
The Undergraduate Program in Art Education offers the degree of Bachelor of Science in Art Education. Beyond General Education course requirements, the B.S. program includes a rigorous concentration in studio art (36 credits), courses in art history and art criticism (15 credits), two courses (6 credits) from the School of Education, and it is recommended that students take ARE 316 Learning in Digital Visual Cultures. Additionally, students take four core courses (12 credits) in art education that address historical and contemporary issues in the field, curriculum development, practices of teaching, and art for exceptional children. They are as follows:
- ARE 190 Contemporary Approaches in Art Education
- ARE 302 Curriculum and Instruction
- ARE 303 Theory and Practice
- ARE 305 Disability Studies in Art Education
Along with these Art Education core courses, students take three additional 1-credit fieldwork courses in which 100 hours of supervised, art education instructional activities are completed. Fieldwork is largely composed of school-based visits, but may also include art education instruction in museums and community organizations. Finally, students complete a full semester of student teaching that includes two separate placements at different levels, grades Pre-K - 6 and 7 - 12. Through course work, students gain knowledge and experience in studio art, art history, art criticism, critical pedagogy and critical theory, and approaches to integrating digital technology that provide them with a strong foundation for art teaching. Through their work in area schools, students gain direct experience with art teaching combined with critical examination of current educational theory and practice, preparing them for teaching diverse learners in the public schools. Completion of the degree qualifies students to apply for their New York State Initial Certification in Visual Arts Pre-K-12.
