The author designed a midterm podcast assignment to give her students in "Modern East Asian Civilizations," an entry-level survey course, the opportunity to articulate their own understanding of East Asian artifacts, the ways in which objects are seen and imbued with meaning, and what those meanings imply.

Medical doctor and geologist Dr. Ferdinand Vandiveer Hayden selected more than 30 scientists, technical personnel, and artists, including photographer William Henry Jackson and painter Thomas Moran, to join the survey of the Yellowstone region in northwest Wyoming territory. Thomas Moran was an accomplished artist when he joined the survey to…

Many educators now agree that graphic novels inform as well as entertain, and to dismiss the educational potential of the graphic novel is to throw away a golden opportunity to reach out to young readers. This dynamic book takes a look at the term "graphic novel," how the format has become entwined in our culture, and the ways in which graphic…

Missouri artist George Caleb Bingham (1811-1879) was both a painter and a politician. An exhibition of his work at the Saint Louis Art Museum in the fall of 2007 sponsored by Bank of America featured his painting "The County Election" along with its preparatory drawings. In anticipation of the exhibition, the museum's education…

As a philosopher and an art historian, the authors decided to record their experience after discovering they shared similar journeys changing their courses. They had both been dissatisfied with their students' learning outcomes and their own tired patterns of teaching. After learning about Dee Fink's (2003) integrated course design (ICD) and his…

In this article, the author shares a content-based English as a Second/Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) workshop that strengthens language acquisition, increases intrinsic motivation, and bridges cultural divides. He uses a rock and roll workshop to introduce an organizational approach with a primary emphasis on cultural awareness content and a…

The author's art instruction for young Egyptian children focuses on design, creative expression, and appreciation of Egypt's unique artistic tradition. This article is one of several in this issue on art education in other countries. (SJL)

Provides historical information on the artistic movement, surrealism, and discusses influential artists. Presents art activities, information on the life and career of Joseph Cornell, and an analysis of his Surrealist box, "Medici Slot Machine." Includes a reproduction of the "Medici Slot Machine." (CMK)

Provides historical background on the art of blacksmithing focusing on various artists, such as Victor Horta and Hector Guimard. Includes working definitions of terms and equipment. Suggests activities to help students gain awareness of ironwork and the scope of the artist-blacksmith output. (CMK)

Provides background information on the artist Marsden Hartley and includes a reproduction of his artwork called "New Mexico Landscape." Provides ideas for teaching activities that focus on the painting and the artist. Examines the content and style of the painting. (CMK)

Provides historical information on the art movement called Cubism that began with two artists, Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso. Discusses possible activities for students and discusses the life of Max Weber. Focuses on Weber's painting, "Rush Hour, New York." (CMK)

Provides background information on constructivism. Focuses on Alexander Calder and includes teaching activities. Offers a reproduction of Alexander Calder's work "Flamingo," information on Calder's life and career as an artist, and details of the featured sculpture. (CMK)

Maintains that one of the ongoing challenges of art education is to encourage the correct and effective use of terminology. Discusses expressionism, particularly in relation to landscape painting. Includes discussion of the background, techniques, and full-page color illustrations of four works by major expressionist painters. (CFR)

Provides background information on Grant Wood who was a Regional artist. Includes a list of various activities and a reproduction of Wood's painting "Spring Turning." Explores the characteristics of Wood's art that appear in this painting, such as stylization and the use of landscape views high above normal eye level. (CMK)

Argues that teaching methods usually associated with art history are not appropriate for the subject. Contends that the learning cycle method, based on active, exploratory learning, is much more conducive to student learning. Contends that students learn more and enjoy the course more with this approach. (CFR)