Art & Art History ETDs

Publication Date

8-2-1968

Abstract

It was the purpose of this study (1) to ascertain the relative importance of art history within the art curriculum as perceived by high school art teachers in school systems with a population base of 500,000; (2) to survey proposals for art history at the secondary level since 1960 and relate them to the actual practices in the schools, (3) to explore the methods and materials presently used to teach art history in such high schools; and (4) to report any inadequacies these high school art teachers have discovered in their attempt to teach art history.

A questionnaire was sent to our teachers and 23 school systems across the nation. Questions were included in which would define actual teaching practices and allow teachers to express desired changes in their art curriculum.

The results showed that an understanding of art history was rated last in a group of seven objectives of art education. At the top of the ratings or the objectives of fostering creativity and developing self-expression. Through a variety of approaches was noted, the majority of art teachers presented art history in their classes. The teachers preferred art history related to creative projects or a humanities approach rather than as a separate class. The lack of a good high school art history text and the need for personal expenditure on audio-video aids were two problems noted by the teachers. The teachers also felt that a strong foundation in our history should be a part of teacher preparation.

It was concluded there was presently a division of opinion as to the place and value of art history in the art curriculum. There is little support for a separate class in art history at the local school level. Though a review of the literature shows a growing interest in the inclusion of factual material in art classes, many teachers fear that the addition of art history will make art an “academic” subject and alienate students.

An obvious presence for the creativity-orientated approach to art education among teachers at the local school level has hindered the growth of an appreciation-orientated approach. There is a trend towards the inclusion of art history in developing humanities programs, but art history is generally avoided in culturally deprived areas. Finally, the need for a more detailed statement of purpose for art education at the national level was found to be necessary to stop the use of individual philosophies of art as a basis for art curriculum development at the local school level

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Art Education

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

UNM Department of Art and Art History

First Committee Member (Chair)

Alexander Simeon Masley

Second Committee Member

Robert John Doxtator

Third Committee Member

William Barton Runge

Download

Share

COinS