The character of art criticism, both how it naturally occurs and how it is academically constructed, is reflective of social and aesthetic value orientations--much as the art object itself has been found to be a clue to the values of the society in which it is practiced, used, and appreciated. The belief that the art object possesses…

Discusses the nature of aesthetics, the kinds of activities involved, its sources, and competing ideologies. Recommends a plan for teaching aesthetics. Maintains that, for aesthetics to be fully implemented into the school, teachers must be asked to participate in designing the curriculum. (KM)

Divided into five parts, this anthology analyzes various aspects of the theory and practice of aesthetics and aesthetic education. Each part contains an introduction and articles by various authors. Part 1, "Aesthetics as a Field of Study," outlines aesthetic questions, case problems, types of aesthetic theory, and recent aesthetics in…

The ideas of three curriculum theorists (John I. Goodlad, Ralph Tyler, and Elliot Eisner) offer a rich source for the development of rationales that can establish music education as an indispensable part of the curriculum. (AM)

Contends that design basics are fundamental for anyone who has worked in art education for some time; yet, there is disagreement about basic design results. Discusses the history of design and design education. Asserts that the question art educators face is whether to continue what began as a form of moral control over artwork. (CFR)

Asserts that aesthetic questions and aesthetic understanding provide the framework for learning in art. Contrasts formalism (the belief that art exists for its own sake) with contextualism (the belief that art is part of a social communication system). Maintains that a balanced art program should incorporate both approaches. (MJP)

Arguing that the visual arts serve as the focus for potential aesthetic experience in the discipline of art education, this paper describes the influence of the sensory elements of aesthetic experience in nature and other art forms on the work of three artists--Kandinsky, Van Gogh, and Picasso--and suggests that teachers can enrich students'…

The intent of this document is to provide local school districts with a guide to current knowledge in the visual arts, such that by using the guide, districts should be able to develop their own curriculum documents tailored to the needs of their students. The basic premise of the guide is that each student in the state of Arizona should have…

While this article deals with the construction of a curriculum in aesthetic education, the foundational/ functional plan outlined by the author transcends the topic of aesthetic education and provides numerous insights into the problems and prospects for curriculum building and educational change. (Editor/SJL)

Presents responses to the policy recommendations issued by the National Endowment for the Arts in "Toward Civilization: A Report on Arts Education." Samuel Hope places this report in an historical context, Kevin Mulcahy points out the dangers of viewing art education as a pedagogical frill, and James Hutchens addresses issues of…

Asserts that the National Standards for Arts Education ignore the values that shape, define, and illuminate democracy. Calls for attention to child development, school environment, and teaching strategies to supplement the work already done on curriculum standards. (CFR)

There is an abundance of available and appropriate material that might serve as content for K-12 art courses. Discussed are eight guidelines that can insure effective content selection. Some problems of using role models in aesthetic education and concepts from aesthetic theory in art teaching are also examined. (Author/RM)

Focuses on the role of music education in a general education. Reviews music education from ancient times to the twentieth century. Argues that effective instruction in music education and the arts is an essential part of a complete education. Appends the chronological developments in music education and goals of arts education. (DB)

Discusses the relationship between feminism and art education. Maintains that the role of women in art education research and curriculum development has made the field more compatible and congenial for women. (CFR)

Proceedings of a conference on art history, art criticism, studio art, and aesthetics are presented. An overview entitled "For a New Beginning" outlines Pennsylvania's new curriculum requirements and their relationship to art education. Listings follow which cover Pennsylvania's goals of quality education and arts and humanities objectives…