Provides a brief background on current developments in aesthetics and the contested concepts of three approaches to aesthetics: (1) historical philosophical aesthetics; (2) aesthetic perception and experience; and (3) aesthetic inquiry. Concludes by proposing a fourth approach based on critical theory. (Author/BSR)

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…

Art criticism has not been incorporated into the curriculum despite support of this proposal by major art educators. The traditional art program consists only of studio instruction to the exclusion of art criticism and art history. The studio background of most art educators coupled with the limited availability of art criticism curriculum options…

Observes that Discipline-Based Art Education (DBAE) is undergoing significant changes, including: expanded and inclusive curriculum content; art instruction integrated with other subject areas; teacher-originated curricula; and variable approaches to assessment. Suggests that changes are a response to criticisms of DBAE, and to general-education…

Suggests that change in art education will be brought about by the initiation of discipline-based art education (DBAE), the wide support given to proposals for programmatic and systemic change, and changing world views. Characterizes DBAE as part of modernity, and contends that a postmodern world needs a more subjective art education curriculum.…

Considers the impact of testing on art education if it is conducted as a means to legitimate art studies. Concludes that some new art programs may be buying into a system that has produced an educational structure which alienates young people. Concludes that testing will contribute to lower levels of cognition. (GEA)

A cross-cultural, international perspective on art in education constitutes a humanistic activity that must allow for recognition of human commonalities and at the same time a respect for human differences. (RM)

Cognition, as a key semantic descriptor, is examined to discover how its use reveals Western attitudes toward knowledge acquisition and toward art as a subject area. (Author/CS)