Undergraduate Education, Council on -Reports - 2007-2008
- Visual and Performing Arts
CUE VPA Rationale and Objectives approved by CUE 2-29-08
Rationale:
The Visual and Performing Arts constitute a separate, unique, and independent mode of inquiry distinct from both the Humanities and Social Sciences and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics disciplines. Being conversant in the symbolic languages of the Arts is as important as familiarity with other modes of inquiry. Many of the most profound expressions of meaning and value are embodied in the arts, and developing sensitivity and responsiveness to these through visual and performing arts courses encourages students’ aesthetic sensitivities, critical judgment, and creativity. Courses in the arts also provide students with an understanding of the cultural and historical dimensions of artistic expression.
Objectives:
Each course in the Visual and Performing Arts category of the General Education Program will provide instruction and guidance that helps students to:
- deepen their understanding of aesthetic, cultural, and historical dimensions of artistic traditions; and
- strengthen their ability to interpret and make critical judgments about the arts through the analysis of structure, form, and style of specific works; and
- strengthen their ability to create, recreate, or evaluate art based upon techniques and standards appropriate to the genre.