In the past, entire civilizations were built around the creation and enjoyment of art. It was believed that art separated us from the animals. Art was an expression of the soul to be shared and treasured. Items that today have become simply utilitarian were created not only for pure functionality, but as an artistic endeavor. From intricate baskets to gilded pottery, art was intermingled with everyday life. Even today, rarely do we see the artistic endeavor put into things such as buildings as once occurred.
Table of Contents
1. The Demise of the Art Curriculum in America
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the systematic reduction of art education programs in American public schools, arguing that a shift toward prioritizing technology and standardized metrics has devalued the arts. It explores the societal and educational consequences of these funding cuts and highlights the critical role of art in developing communication, empathy, and creative problem-solving skills, even within professional fields like medicine.
- The decline of art education funding across various U.S. states.
- The prioritization of technology and science over creative arts in school curricula.
- The perceived utilitarian value of education versus the preservation of artistic expression.
- The long-term impact of diminished art programs on student development and holistic success.
- The necessity of art education for professional skills, including empathy and multi-perspective thinking.
Excerpt from the Book
The Demise of the Art Curriculum in America
In the past, entire civilizations were built around the creation and enjoyment of art. It was believed that art separated us from the animals. Art was an expression of the soul to be shared and treasured. Items that today have become simply utilitarian were created not only for pure functionality, but as an artistic endeavor. From intricate baskets to gilded pottery, art was intermingled with everyday life. Even today, rarely do we see the artistic endeavor put into things such as buildings as once occurred.
Obvious examples abound, that have survived the ages, such as the Sistine Chapel, however, even a few generations ago, here in America, the culture was more focused on Art. Take for instance the Kodak tower that still stands in the middle of Rochester, New York, reminiscent of a European cathedral tower, built for beauty, not simply to house workers. Yet, there was a shift in the thinking of American society, within the last generation. With the age of technology and efficiency at hand, and the threat from companies like Japan surpassing American students in technical knowledge, Americans began placing more importance on science and math, and arts have been pushed to the back burner. Couple this change in thinking with increasingly difficult to manage budgets, and it spells a recipe for the demise of art education across America.
Summary of Chapters
The Demise of the Art Curriculum in America: This chapter analyzes the historical and economic factors leading to the cutting of art programs in U.S. schools, highlighting the conflict between technological prioritization and artistic development.
Keywords
Art Education, Curriculum, Funding Cuts, Public Schools, Technology, Human Interaction, Creativity, Education Reform, Holistic Development, Communication Skills, Educational Policy, Arts Advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper addresses the concerning trend of reducing or eliminating art education programs in American schools due to budget constraints and a societal shift toward prioritizing technology and science.
What are the central themes discussed in the text?
The core themes include the decline of aesthetic value in modern education, the impact of state budget cuts on arts programs, the rapid and often unexamined expansion of technology in classrooms, and the intrinsic value of art for human development.
What is the author's primary research argument?
The author argues that art is fundamental to the human psyche and that de-prioritizing it in favor of purely technical education hinders the development of well-rounded, empathetic, and communicative individuals.
What methodology does the author utilize?
The author uses a qualitative synthesis of news reports, fiscal data from state departments, and academic psychological research to demonstrate the widespread nature of the decline in arts education.
What is the main topic of the content in the central part of the paper?
The main part of the paper details specific fiscal impacts on art programs in states like New York, Massachusetts, and South Carolina, and contrasts this with the increasing federal investment in classroom technology.
Which keywords best describe the essence of this work?
Key terms include Art Education, Funding, Educational Policy, Technology, Holistic Development, and Empathy.
How does the author connect art education to the medical field?
The author references the Johns Hopkins program for "Art as Applied to Medicine" and a study on oncology nurses to show that art-based training fosters critical thinking and empathy in professional healthcare settings.
What is the author's stance on the role of technology in schools?
The author suggests that technology has been integrated into schools with insufficient planning or educational rationale, often at the direct expense of existing, vital arts programs.
- Quote paper
- Kimberly Wylie (Author), 2003, The Demise of the Art Curriculum in America, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/60675
