Curriculum

CFA AR 600 - Contemporary Issues in Art Education

Examines current trends in practice and theory as well as artists of the past and present who express contemporary personal, social and global concerns in their work. Discussions are focused on how the course content can influence classroom curriculum and instruction. Students conduct library research to find related articles on a topic relative to the course content. Assignments are written, visual and digital. [4 cr.]

CFA AR 610 - Teaching Art to Special Populations

Provides an examination of approaches to the education of children with special needs. Designed to help the art specialist integrate special youngsters into heterogeneous school settings; coursework includes the study of behavior, assessment, linguistic needs, classroom management, and different modes of interdisciplinary and intercultural learning. [4 cr.]

CFA AR 620-Art Curriculum Planning

The study of contemporary techniques for implementation of goals in planning curricula and programs of study for all levels Pre-K-8 and 5-12. Instruction includes consideration of scope and sequence in relation to stages of development, and community and individual needs. A substantial terminal written project is required. [4 cr.]

CFA PS 630 - Child Growth and Development

Employs personal art-making, discussion, qualitative research, and group reflection as the literate forms students use to demonstrate knowledge of the ways in which interdisciplinary approaches to the theories of developmental psychologists including Gardner, Parsons, Piaget, and Vygotsky can explain leadership as a fundamental relationship nurtured with students. The ideas of Burton, Fein, Hurwitz, Kellogg, Kay, Kerlavage, Lowenfeld, Olson, Wilson and Wilson are used to ground theories of artistic growth. [4 cr.]

CFA AR 690 History of Art Education

This class will explore the various frameworks of art education in relationship to the teaching of art in public schools and higher education. It will serve as a historical and philosophical introduction to major events and underlying beliefs, values, and practices that have influenced art education programs at all levels. In addition it will prepare students for conducting historical scholarship in art education. [4 cr.]

CFA AR 870 Summer Studio

Week long residency during which morning and afternoon studio sessions will be attended in addition to trips to museums and evening seminar and discussions. Students will be required to keep a verbal/visual journal-sketchbook and to complete a continued studio assignment prior to Fall I semester. [4 cr.]

CFA AR 890 - Thesis Planning and Development

Emphasizes research that is based on the documentation of personal artistic process and teaching the artistic process to students using a thematic approach. The proposal, research methodology, scholarly writing, conducting a review of the literature, data collection and analysis are covered during the first semester. Acceptance of the topic of choice is based on its relevance in terms of developmentally appropriate curriculum, practice and theory in the field of art education. The second semester is dedicated to thesis completion. 2 semesters [4 cr.] per semester

Study Abroad Program

As an alternative to the optional Summer Studio program, Boston University Master of Arts in Art Education students have the opportunity to participate in two exciting study abroad programs. These programs are designed for undergraduate art majors but welcome art educators.

Tuscany Landscape Painting Program
The landscape painting program in Tuscany offers both painting majors and non-majors the opportunity to spend six weeks studying landscape painting on the estate of Capitignano in Tuscany overlooking the olive groves and vineyards of the Mugello Valley.

Capitignano is beautifully situated on a hillside offering breathtaking views of the Tuscan landscape; an unparalleled setting for painters. The course will integrate visits to the museums and masterpieces of Florence, a 45 minute drive from Capitignano.

London Liberal Arts Program: Graphic Design
Boston University's London Liberal Arts Program provides a unique opportunity for visual arts students to study in one of the world's most important cities for graphic design. Students enroll in "Graphic Design in Britain", taught at the Boston University London Centre in South Kensington

Additional program information will be available at the time of enrollment.