This is an arts-based research course that allows students to explore and respond to course content through reflective artmaking, as well as traditional research. The course surveys the 20th century roots of contemporary art and pedagogical practices and the shift to the condition of postmodernism, with a focus on the impact of influential theories, trends, and events on art education. A deep-dive investigation of the mask as a universal, complex, and powerful cultural phenomenon serves as a model for examining thematic curriculum design practices that incorporate pressing issues and opportunities that are part of the twenty- first century art classroom and other learning environments. With an interdisciplinary, global art focus, emphasis is placed on developing strategies for the inclusion of African contemporary artists and African masking within a broad, transnational context. Students create a final project that takes on the complexities of appropriation, othering, and ahistoricism in a multi-cultural and global curriculum. Students enrolled in the Art Education BFA or Masters will also complete a gateway assessment that prepares them to enroll in pre-practicum courses during CFA AR 559. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the MyBU Student Portal for the most up-to-date course information.