This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2023-2024 VCU Bulletin. This edition includes all programs
and courses approved by the publication deadline; however we may receive notification of additional program
approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available
in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
Ryan Patton, Ph.D.
Associate professor and chair
The Department of Art Education supports instruction in art that encourages the construction of meaning. Faculty and students are actively involved with the art world, education and local and global communities through art-based service-learning, visual culture studies, critical thinking, exhibition, assessment, curriculum, critical theory and emerging digital technologies (virtual and interactive).
The department emphasizes interdisciplinary connections throughout the School of the Arts and the university as a whole. Through their own research and instruction, art teacher candidates engage their students and themselves in traditional and nontraditional forms of inquiry to contribute to the continuing growth and strength of the profession.
ARTE 501. Art Education Elementary Materials and Practicum. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: admission to the art teacher preparation program. A preparatory experience with observation and participation in art programs in elementary grades prior to student teaching. This course explores art materials, techniques and teaching methods suitable for this level and analyzes evaluation strategies appropriate for art.
ARTE 502. Art Education Secondary Materials and Practicum. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: admission to the art teacher preparation program. A preparatory experience with observation and participation in art programs in middle school, high school or nontraditional settings prior to student teaching. This course explores art materials and techniques suitable for these levels, examines developmental performance levels and analyzes evaluation methods appropriate for art.
ARTE 508. Two-dimensional Art Experiences. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 2 seminar and 3 studio hours. 3 credits. Not offered for credit for studio art majors. The course explores the media, techniques and concepts of drawing, painting and printmaking.
ARTE 509. Three-dimensional Art Experiences. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 2 seminar and 3 studio hours. 3 credits. Not offered for credit for studio art majors. Exploration of sculptural concepts with three-dimensional materials such as wood, metal, clay, fiber, plaster, plastic and glass.
ARTE 550. Art for the Exceptional Learner. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 2 lecture and 3 laboratory hours. 3 credits. A study of exceptional learners including handicapped, gifted, talented, aged and others, and their participation in and appreciation for the visual arts. Courses may include practicum and field experiences.
ARTE 570. Community-based Art Education. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Students will spend two hours per week for 10 weeks (20 hours) at a community site engaged in studio-based service-learning activities. In this transdisciplinary course, students study theories of socially engaged art, community-based art education, service-learning and transformative learning as it applies to multigenerational, multicultural community settings. Using art as a call to action, a language that transcends, transgresses and transforms, students and community participants engage in arts-based narrative co-inquiry to co-create place-based oral, visual, written and performed narratives that express their personal voice, lived experiences, social, moral, cultural and political concerns toward the creation of healthy communities.
ARTE 591. Topics in Art Education. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits with different topics. The course will explore selected topics of current interests or needs relative to art education. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
ARTE 592. Independent Study in Art Education. 1-6 Hours.
Semester course; 1-6 credits. Prerequisite: Approval from department chair. Art education majors only. An in-depth study of a selected art education topic.
ARTE 600. Seminar: Issues in Art Education. 3-6 Hours.
Semester course; 3-6 lecture hours. 3-6 credits. The course investigates contemporary issues and identifies problems in art education. Students prepare oral and written reports that explore new directions and discuss the implications for teachers and art programs.
ARTE 601. Elementary Art Education. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours. 3 credits. An inquiry into the nature of art and its importance in the elementary curriculum. Through personal experiences with art concepts and media, students learn about themes, form and expression and develop a broader understanding of the value of art for children.
ARTE 611. Theory and Literature in Art Education. 3 Hours.
Semester courses; 3,3 seminar hours. 3, 3 credits. An introduction to the body of literature and key issues within the field of art education. Students will also develop an overview of the history of art education as well as an understanding of the major roles that theory plays in the crafting of literature within the field, including the roles of conceptual and theoretical frameworks in conducting and consuming research.
ARTE 612. Theory and Literature in Art Education. 3 Hours.
Semester courses; 3,3 seminar hours. 3, 3 credits. An introduction to the body of literature and key issues within the field of art education. Students will also develop an overview of the history of art education as well as an understanding of the major roles that theory plays in the crafting of literature within the field, including the roles of conceptual and theoretical frameworks in conducting and consuming research.
ARTE 665. Curriculum Development and Evaluation. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. A review of curriculum development including: needs assessment, determination of goals and objectives, curriculum writing, evaluation, and feedback processes. Theoretical approaches in the visual arts will be studied and curriculum models designed, developed and analyzed.
ARTE 670. Technology in Art Education. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. The students examine diverse aspects of new technologies in relation to art programs. These aspects include media and computer-assisted learning, and applications of computer graphics and other technology to artistic expression.
ARTE 680. Teaching Laboratory. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Observations and experimental teaching experiences with children in art. Group discussions and evaluation of ideas, objectives and methods.
ARTE 690. Issues and Methods of Inquiry in Art Education. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Readings and discussions of studies in art education and related research emphasizing possibilities for implementation by art teachers. Methods of research in the field will be reviewed and sample research proposals will be developed by the students.
ARTE 691. Topics in Art Education. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits with different content. The course will explore selected topics of current interests or needs relative to art education. See Schedule of Classes for specific topic to be offered each semester.
ARTE 692. Independent Study in Art Education. 1-6 Hours.
Semester course; 1-6 credits. Prerequisite: Approval from department chair. Art education majors only. An in-depth study of a selected art education topic.
ARTE 701. Issues in Art Education. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Readings and discussions of current issues in art education, art and education. This course emphasizes contemporary issues and research in the field and makes connections between theory and practice.
ARTE 702. History of Art Education. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course is a survey of the history of art education, its major theories and influences. The emphasis is on the influence of education, art, society and politics on the shaping of art education. While the history of art education from Plato to the present is surveyed, the emphasis is on the past 50 years.
ARTE 703. Contemporary Philosophies and Art Education. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Readings and discussions of philosophical writings that affect contemporary art education, art and education.
ARTE 704. Research in Art Education. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Advanced readings and discussions of studies in art education. Advanced methods of research in the field will be reviewed and students will develop a beginning dissertation proposal.
ARTE 780. Cultural Diversity in Art and Society. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Recognizing the complex intersections of art, culture and social issues, this course explores the diverse social and cultural landscape in which art is produced. Students will consider recent and historical examples of how policies and social issues have shaped art production in both U.S. and global contexts.
ARTE 799. Thesis. 1,3 Hour.
Semester course; 1 or 3 credits. May be repeated. Prerequisite: completion of all formal course work, candidacy and approval of the department chair. Preparation of a thesis is based upon independent research.
ARTE 800. Advanced Seminar in Art Education. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum total of 9 credits. The course investigates contemporary issues and identifies problems in art education. Students prepare oral and written reports to explore new directions and discuss the implications for teachers and art programs.