COURSE CURRICULUM

The Art Education program requires students to complete 48 units of coursework designed to build a strong foundation in art history, studio practice, and educational theory. The curriculum begins with 12 units in Historical and Cultural Contexts, where students study the development of art across different cultures and historical periods. Required courses include Art, Religions, and Power before 1400, Art, Empires, and Cross-Cultural Exchange from 1400–1800, and Global Modern and Contemporary Art. Students also select an additional course from options such as Traditional Asian Art, Modern and Contemporary Asian Art, Art of the Americas, Origins of American Indian Art, US and Caribbean Art: Race and Representation, Latin American and Latino Art History, Asian Art and Mythology, Art of India and Southeast Asia, Art of China and Japan, or Art of Korea. These courses help students understand the cultural, social, and historical influences that shape artistic expression around the world.Students must also complete 21 units of Art Studio Foundation courses that develop essential artistic skills and creative techniques. Core courses include Beginning Drawing, Intermediate Drawing, Beginning Painting, and Beginning New Media Art. Students also choose additional studio experiences such as Form, Space and Vision or Beginning Sculpture, along with ceramics courses like Beginning Ceramics or Beginning Hand-Built Ceramics. Additional elective options allow students to explore printmaking, composition, jewelry, metalsmithing, clay sculpture, sculpture, or photography.The program includes 6 units of Art Studio Depth courses, where students select two advanced courses from specialized studio groups. These groups include drawing and painting courses such as Advanced Drawing, Intermediate or Advanced Painting, Figure Drawing, watercolor, and studio-based painting; three-dimensional studio courses such as ceramics, jewelry, metalsmithing, sculpture, and installation art; and new media courses including 3D computer modeling, digital printmaking, video art, animation, and physical computing.Finally, students complete 9 units in Art Education coursework, including Theories in Art Education, Art Education for Children, and Overview of Secondary Art Education. These courses focus on teaching methods, curriculum design, and educational strategies for art instruction. Together, these requirements prepare students with the artistic, historical, and pedagogical knowledge needed to teach visual arts in educational and community settings.