Rationale and Objectives
Even with its richness in technique, design, art history, and self-expression, I have sometimes felt that studio art is a peculiar cul-de-sac in comprehensive secondary education. Photographs, drawings and other art production may be used as instructional tools across the curriculum, but it seems more difficult to integrate outside subject matter into an art class while still keeping art first and foremost. It's worthwhile to try, because studio art, partitioned as a discrete discipline, may not serve well the majority of our students, who, as adults, will not be practitioners of art nor regular museum-goers.
This unit of instruction is an experiment in connecting art historical content to American political and cultural history, particularly to American ideals. I hope that these connections, which will be explored in the classroom through illustrated lecture, class discussion, group activities, and individual assignments, will make the images and art ideas more meaningful and memorable, and that the content will enhance students' understanding of and investment in our common American culture.
Comments: