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Lisa Mazzola,
Larissa Raphael,
and
Francis Estrada
Develop connections between your curriculum, students’ experiences, and accessible themes in art. Themes include Places and Spaces, Art and Identity, Transforming Everyday Objects, and Art and Society.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/r9bzrb/art
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction to Art & Ideas
Welcome to Art & Ideas! In this course, you'll learn to see art through a new lens—one that focuses on themes instead of chronology or historical movements. Themes allow us to make connections between multiple artworks, classroom content, and our own lives. Teaching with a thematic approach not only makes art more accessible but also centers the student experience and supports interdisciplinary teaching.
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction to Art & Ideas
Welcome to Art & Ideas! In this course, you'll learn to see art through a new lens—one that focuses on themes instead of chronology or historical movements. Themes allow us to make connections between multiple artworks, classroom content, and our own lives. Teaching with a thematic approach not only makes art more accessible but also centers the student experience and supports interdisciplinary teaching.
Read more
Places & Spaces
In this module, we'll explore our first theme: Places & Spaces. When you ground your lessons in sights and structures that are familiar, you provide students with a direct connection to the artwork. You'll discover some of the ways artists have represented place and found inspiration in their surroundings.
Art & Identity
In this module, we'll move from place to people as we discover some of the ways artists express, explore, and question identity. You'll learn about portraiture and how artists have created representations of themselves and others. You'll also explore strategies for using art to explore the topic of identity with students.
Transforming Everyday Objects
In this module, we'll consider how artists use everyday objects to challenge assumptions about what constitutes art and how it should be made. At the core of this theme is the idea of artistic choice and the works you encounter will offer insight into the creative processes artists and designers use to invent and transform everyday objects. You'll also gain skills for making interdisciplinary connections and fostering students’ critical thinking abilities.
Art & Society
In this module, you'll explore artworks created in response to the social, cultural, and political issues of their time. You'll gain a deeper understanding of history and contemporary society and explore strategies for encouraging students to think critically about world events and how they are depicted.
Teaching with Themes
In this module, you'll take everything you've learned and create your own thematic lesson plan using works of art. We'll also share some resources you can save and use in the future.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Teaches how to seamlessly incorporate art into curriculum and student experiences
Develops strategies for connecting diverse themes in art with real-world issues
Suitable for educators specializing in arts education or those seeking to integrate art into other subjects
Requires no prior knowledge of art or art history, making it accessible to beginners
Provides practical strategies for making art education relatable and engaging for students
The course is not focused on specific art movements, which allows for a more flexible approach to art education
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Art course teachers love
According to students, Art & Ideas: Teaching with Themes is a fantastic online course that instructors say is great, dynamic, and complete.
Students love this course.
"Great, dinamic and complete."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Art & Ideas: Teaching with Themes with these
activities:
Volunteer at a local art museum or gallery to gain practical experience with art
Show steps
Provide students with a hands-on opportunity to engage with art and cultural institutions.
Browse courses on
Art and Society
Show steps
-
Contact local art museums or galleries and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Choose a role that aligns with your interests and skills.
-
Attend training sessions to learn about the museum or gallery's collection and mission.
-
Volunteer at exhibitions, events, or educational programs.
Use online resources to explore different artistic techniques and styles
Show steps
Provide students with additional resources to enhance their understanding of art techniques and their application in different contexts.
Show steps
-
Identify specific artistic techniques or styles that complement the course content.
-
Search for reputable online tutorials or demonstrations that cover these techniques.
-
Follow the tutorials and experiment with the techniques using different materials.
-
Create a portfolio of your experiments and share it with a mentor or instructor for feedback.
Attend a workshop or lecture on a specific art movement or technique
Show steps
Expose students to different perspectives and insights on art and its history.
Show steps
-
Research upcoming workshops or lectures related to the course content.
-
Attend the workshop or lecture and actively participate in discussions.
-
Take notes and document your key takeaways.
-
Reflect on how the workshop or lecture has enhanced your understanding of the course material.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Analyze artworks and identify the themes and artistic techniques used
Show steps
Reinforce understanding of art elements and principles through repeated practice of analyzing artworks.
Show steps
-
Gather a variety of artworks representing different styles and periods.
-
Examine each artwork and identify the main theme or idea being conveyed.
-
Analyze the techniques used by the artist, including color, composition, and brushwork.
-
Write a brief summary of your analysis for each artwork.
Create a visual essay that explores a specific theme in art
Show steps
Provide a creative outlet for students to apply their learning and develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between art and different themes.
Show steps
-
Brainstorm a list of potential themes to explore.
-
Select a theme and gather relevant images, texts, and other materials.
-
Arrange the materials into a coherent visual narrative.
-
Write a short statement that introduces the theme and explains the significance of the visual essay.
Read 'Ways of Seeing' by John Berger
Show steps
Provide a solid understanding of the ways in which art can shape and reflect our perceptions of identity, society, and power dynamics.
Show steps
-
Read the introduction and first chapter to get an overview of Berger's thesis.
-
Analyze a few artworks mentioned in the book, paying attention to the ways in which they reinforce or challenge societal norms.
-
Write a short essay discussing how Berger's ideas have influenced your understanding of art and its role in society.
Design a lesson plan that incorporates thematic teaching and interdisciplinary connections
Show steps
Provide practical experience in applying the course concepts to their own teaching practice.
Show steps
-
Review the course materials on thematic teaching and interdisciplinary connections.
-
Select a grade level and subject area that you are familiar with.
-
Choose a specific theme that is relevant to the subject area.
-
Identify interdisciplinary connections that can be incorporated into the lesson plan.
-
Write a detailed lesson plan that outlines the activities, resources, and assessments that will be used.
Volunteer at a local art museum or gallery to gain practical experience with art
Show steps
Provide students with a hands-on opportunity to engage with art and cultural institutions.
Browse courses on
Art and Society
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Contact local art museums or galleries and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Choose a role that aligns with your interests and skills.
- Attend training sessions to learn about the museum or gallery's collection and mission.
- Volunteer at exhibitions, events, or educational programs.
Use online resources to explore different artistic techniques and styles
Show steps
Provide students with additional resources to enhance their understanding of art techniques and their application in different contexts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify specific artistic techniques or styles that complement the course content.
- Search for reputable online tutorials or demonstrations that cover these techniques.
- Follow the tutorials and experiment with the techniques using different materials.
- Create a portfolio of your experiments and share it with a mentor or instructor for feedback.
Attend a workshop or lecture on a specific art movement or technique
Show steps
Expose students to different perspectives and insights on art and its history.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research upcoming workshops or lectures related to the course content.
- Attend the workshop or lecture and actively participate in discussions.
- Take notes and document your key takeaways.
- Reflect on how the workshop or lecture has enhanced your understanding of the course material.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Analyze artworks and identify the themes and artistic techniques used
Show steps
Reinforce understanding of art elements and principles through repeated practice of analyzing artworks.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather a variety of artworks representing different styles and periods.
- Examine each artwork and identify the main theme or idea being conveyed.
- Analyze the techniques used by the artist, including color, composition, and brushwork.
- Write a brief summary of your analysis for each artwork.
Create a visual essay that explores a specific theme in art
Show steps
Provide a creative outlet for students to apply their learning and develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between art and different themes.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Brainstorm a list of potential themes to explore.
- Select a theme and gather relevant images, texts, and other materials.
- Arrange the materials into a coherent visual narrative.
- Write a short statement that introduces the theme and explains the significance of the visual essay.
Read 'Ways of Seeing' by John Berger
Show steps
Provide a solid understanding of the ways in which art can shape and reflect our perceptions of identity, society, and power dynamics.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the introduction and first chapter to get an overview of Berger's thesis.
- Analyze a few artworks mentioned in the book, paying attention to the ways in which they reinforce or challenge societal norms.
- Write a short essay discussing how Berger's ideas have influenced your understanding of art and its role in society.
Design a lesson plan that incorporates thematic teaching and interdisciplinary connections
Show steps
Provide practical experience in applying the course concepts to their own teaching practice.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the course materials on thematic teaching and interdisciplinary connections.
- Select a grade level and subject area that you are familiar with.
- Choose a specific theme that is relevant to the subject area.
- Identify interdisciplinary connections that can be incorporated into the lesson plan.
- Write a detailed lesson plan that outlines the activities, resources, and assessments that will be used.
Career center
Learners who complete Art & Ideas: Teaching with Themes will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Museum Educator
Museum Educator
A Museum Educator teaches about art history, museum collections, and exhibitions. They may also develop and lead educational programs for all ages, either in person or online. This course can provide insights into teaching through the lens of art. One who wishes to enter this career field should take this course in particular because it provides resources that the learner can save and use in the future, and supports interdisciplinary teaching, which will be important skills for a Museum Educator.
Art Gallerist
Art Gallerist
An Art Gallerist manages and curates an art gallery, which can include tasks such as planning events, promoting artists, and selling artwork. This course can provide insights into the art world and the connection between art and society, which are both important for an Art Gallerist.
Art historian
Art historian
An Art Historian researches, analyzes, and interprets art and its history. They may also teach art history at a university or publish their research in academic journals. This course can provide insights into the history of art and the connection between art and society, which are both important for an Art Historian.
Art Critic
Art Critic
An Art Critic writes about and evaluates art and exhibitions. They may also teach art criticism or work as a curator. This course can provide insights into the art world and the connection between art and society, which are both important for an Art Critic.
Art Curator
Art Curator
An Art Curator plans and manages exhibitions in museums and galleries. They may also conduct research on art and artists, and write exhibition catalogs. This course can provide insights into the art world and the connection between art and society, which are both important for an Art Curator.
Art teacher
Art teacher
An Art Teacher teaches art to students of all ages. They may also develop and lead art programs in schools or community centers. This course can provide insights into teaching through the lens of art, and supports interdisciplinary teaching, which will be important skills for an Art Teacher.
Interior designer
Interior designer
An Interior Designer plans and executes interior design projects for residential and commercial spaces. This course may be useful for an Interior Designer because it provides insights into the creative process and the connection between art and space.
Architect
Architect
An Architect designs and oversees the construction of buildings and other structures. This course may be useful for an Architect because it provides insights into the creative process and the connection between art and space.
Graphic designer
Graphic designer
A Graphic Designer creates visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. This course may be useful for a Graphic Designer because it provides insights into the creative process and the connection between art and society.
Photographer
Photographer
A Photographer captures images using a camera. They may also work in a variety of settings, such as studios, events, and outdoor locations. This course may be useful for a Photographer because it provides insights into the creative process and the connection between art and society.
Writer
Writer
A Writer creates written content, such as articles, blog posts, and books. They may also work in a variety of fields, such as journalism, marketing, and academia. This course may be useful for a Writer because it provides insights into the creative process and the connection between art and society.
Professor
Professor
A Professor teaches and conducts research at a college or university. They may also publish their research in academic journals and books. This course may be useful for a Professor because it provides insights into teaching and the connection between art and society.
Therapist
Therapist
A Therapist helps people improve their mental health and well-being. They may also work in a variety of settings, such as private practice, hospitals, and community centers. This course may be useful for a Therapist because it provides insights into the connection between art and identity.
Counselor
Counselor
A Counselor helps people navigate personal and social challenges. They may also work in a variety of settings, such as schools, colleges, and community centers. This course may be useful for a Counselor because it provides insights into the connection between art and identity.
Social Worker
Social Worker
A Social Worker helps people navigate personal and social challenges. They may also work in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, and community centers. This course may be useful for a Social Worker because it provides insights into the connection between art and society.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/r9bzrb/art
Reading list
We've selected 48 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Art & Ideas: Teaching with Themes.
Offers advice on how to build and run a successful tech company. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the challenges of running a tech company and how to overcome them.
Save
Offers practical advice on how to get traction for your startup. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the traction process and how to apply it to their own businesses.
Offers a practical guide to the lean startup method. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the lean startup process and how to apply it to their own businesses.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of art history, and its insights would be valuable for the course module on Introduction to Art & Ideas.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of theories of art education, and its insights would be valuable for the course module on Teaching with Themes.
Save
Explores the nature of creativity and innovation. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the creative process and how to apply it to their own lives.
Provides a comprehensive overview of art history, from the earliest cave paintings to contemporary art. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the history of art and its major movements.
Offers advice on how to build a successful startup. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the startup process and how to apply it to their own businesses.
Provides a comprehensive guide to teaching art, with a focus on developing students' creativity and critical thinking skills. It would be a valuable resource for the course module on Teaching with Themes.
Explores the role of personal narratives in shaping our identity, and its insights would be valuable for the course module on Art & Identity.
Practical guide for teachers who want to create more engaging and meaningful learning experiences for their students. Weimer provides a variety of strategies and techniques that can be used in any subject area, including art.
Save
Explores the social and political implications of visual culture, and its insights would be valuable for the course module on Art & Society.
Save
Explores the relationship between urban landscapes and public history, and its insights would be valuable for the course module on Places & Spaces.
Provides a sociological perspective on the construction of reality, and its insights would be valuable for the course module on Art & Society.
Save
Explores the relationship between everyday life and visual culture, and its insights would be valuable for the course module on Transforming Everyday Objects.
Provides insights into the design of everyday objects, and its insights would be valuable for the course module on Transforming Everyday Objects.
Provides practical advice on using visuals to tell stories and communicate ideas, and its insights would be valuable for the course module on Teaching with Themes.
Provides practical advice on explaining ideas and arguments clearly and compellingly, and its insights would be valuable for the course module on Teaching with Themes.
Save
Explores the major theories of modern art, from the early 20th century to the present day. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the intellectual underpinnings of modern art.
Save
Meditation on the act of looking at art. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the ways in which we can look at art and the different meanings that we can find in it.
Explores the power of art to change our lives. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the ways in which art can be used to heal, inspire, and transform.
Save
Guide to the artist's journey. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the challenges and rewards of being an artist.
Explores the role of storytelling in human culture, and its insights would be valuable for the course module on Teaching with Themes.
Provides a practical guide to developing creativity and artistic practice, and its insights would be valuable for the course module on Art & Identity.
Save
Provides insights into the challenges and rewards of making art, and its insights would be valuable for the course module on Art & Identity.
Provides insights into the challenges of innovation and its insights would be valuable for the course module on Art & Society.
Save
Motivational guide for artists. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the challenges of being an artist and how to overcome them.
Comprehensive guide to the importance of arts education for all students. Marantz provides research and evidence to support the benefits of arts education, including improved academic achievement, creativity, and social skills.
Save
Provides a framework for integrating the arts into any subject area.
Classic guide to looking at and understanding art. It great resource for students who want to develop their visual literacy skills.
Save
Provides a practical guide to reading paintings. It valuable resource for students who want to learn how to analyze and interpret paintings.
Practical guide to developing a creative habit. Tharp provides a variety of tips and techniques that can help readers become more creative in all aspects of their lives.
Practical guide to unlocking your creativity. It valuable resource for students who want to develop their artistic skills.
Save
Popular guide to unlocking creativity. Cameron provides a series of exercises and prompts to help readers overcome creative blocks and find their artistic voice.
Save
Practical guide to developing a creative habit. It valuable resource for students who want to learn how to be more creative in their everyday lives.
Save
Motivational guide for artists who are struggling to overcome creative blocks. Pressfield provides a variety of insights and strategies to help readers get past their fears and doubts and start creating.
Save
Celebration of creativity and the power of following your dreams. Gilbert provides a variety of insights and inspiration to help readers overcome their fears and start living a more creative life.
Save
Classic work on the philosophy of education. It valuable resource for students who want to learn about the role of art in education.
Save
Is an introduction to the humanities that uses art to explore the different ways of understanding human culture. It provides a broad overview of the different disciplines in the humanities, and offers insights into the different ways that art can be used to understand human culture.
Practical guide to teaching art. It valuable resource for students who want to learn how to teach art to others.
Practical guide to the business of art. It valuable resource for students who want to learn how to make a living as an artist.
Collection of essays that explore the different ways that we understand visual culture. It provides a theoretical framework for understanding visual culture, and offers case studies of how visual culture is used in different contexts.
Save
Practical guide to curating art exhibitions. It valuable resource for students who want to learn about the role of the curator in the art world.
Explores the different ways that we respond to images. It provides a theoretical framework for understanding the role of images in human culture, and offers case studies of how images have been used to different effects in different contexts.
Save
Practical guide to writing about art. It valuable resource for students who want to learn how to write about art for a variety of audiences.
Save
Collection of essays on photography. It valuable resource for students who want to learn about the history and theory of photography.
Save
Collection of essays on performance art. It valuable resource for students who want to learn about the history and theory of performance art.
Save
Collection of essays on video art. It valuable resource for students who want to learn about the history and theory of video art.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/r9bzrb/art
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Effort
5 weeks of study x 2 hours/week, plus 2 hours for final project = 12 hours total
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
The Museum of Modern Art
Instructors
Lisa Mazzola
Larissa Raphael
Francis Estrada
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
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українська мова
magyar nyelv
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қазақша
اُردُو,
فارسی
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پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Teaching with Art: Using Inquiry, Activities, and Themes. It's comprised of three courses:
- Art & Ideas: Teaching with Themes (viewing)
- Art & Activity: Interactive Strategies for Engaging with Art
- Art & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies For Your Classroom
Good to know
Teaches how to seamlessly incorporate art into curriculum and student experiences
Develops strategies for connecting diverse themes in art with real-world issues
Suitable for educators specializing in arts education or those seeking to integrate art into other subjects
Requires no prior knowledge of art or art history, making it accessible to beginners
Provides practical strategies for making art education relatable and engaging for students
The course is not focused on specific art movements, which allows for a more flexible approach to art education
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