The Department of Art Education offers courses focused on theory and research, including courses aimed at students seeking the practices and disciplines for future experiences as art educators and instructors. Coursework is also designed for artistically-inclined students who wish to shape their understand of the visual fields.
3 semester credits. This lecture and lab-based course will help prepare students to teach art to elementary and middle school children. Students learn about the role of visual arts in children's education and how it relates to developmental growth. The course will explore the historical, philosophical, and social foundations of art in education, including recent developments, current issues, and technology. Topics introduce the basic philosophy and structure of art education, directed learning activities in 2 and 3-dimensional design, different approaches to teaching methodology, art appreciation, lesson themes, on-site observations, teacher responsibilities, and health and safety in the art studio. Prerequisites: Studio Art major or equivalent.
3 semester credits. This course represents a comparative study of art as an expression of human experience from the aesthetic paradigms developed during the Renaissance to the contemporary perception of beauty. Major artists and influences will be analyzed in terms of styles and movements across eras and in relation to the concept of place. The course will examine the contrasts between the multiple identities emerging in Florence as diverse ways to convey art and beauty. Course topics and learning approaches feature an experiential pathway for understanding the evolution of artistic language and its potential future directions.
3 semester credits. This one-week study away course will focus on the relationship between the city of New York and its avant-garde movements in order to understand what inspires new artists to create, share, and celebrate new forms of art as well as new creative trends. Through hands-on and on-site experience in the urban context of the city, students will expand their understanding of and literacy in contemporary art. Areas of analysis include the complex relationship between the city and its inhabitants, especially in connection with new artist generations and their need to express perspectives on the cultural, political, and social dynamics of the city. Prerequisites: A Survey of Western Art or equivalent.
3 semester credits. This lecture/lab course introduces students to the therapeutic functions of art. The aim is for students to become familiar with art therapy methods and techniques whose primary objective is to develop creative expressions. During class meetings, students will use their own personal experiences by conducting direct experiments to understand the function of art within a therapeutic context. This hands-on experience will then be compared with the theoretical ideas outlined in the required readings. In the laboratory/studio part of the course, students will handle a great variety of art materials ranging from the more traditional to less common objects. The aim is to facilitate self-expression on a non-verbal and creative level and in a safe environment, open to the free exchange of opinions and untouched by prejudiced or judgmental attitudes. The essential elements that compose the created image - space, color, movement, and form - will be examined and put to the test as expressive and symbolic tools of one's inner world.
4 semester credits. This lecture/lab course introduces students to the therapeutic functions of art. The aim is for students to become familiar with art therapy methods and techniques whose primary objective is to develop creative expressions. During class meetings, students will use their own personal experiences by conducting direct experiments to understand the function of art within a therapeutic context. This hands-on experience will then be compared with the theoretical ideas outlined in the required readings. In the laboratory/studio part of the course, students will handle a great variety of art materials ranging from the more traditional to less common objects. The aim is to facilitate self-expression on a non-verbal and creative level and in a safe environment, open to the free exchange of opinions and untouched by prejudiced or judgmental attitudes. The essential elements that compose the created image - space, color, movement, and form - will be examined and put to the test as expressive and symbolic tools of one's inner world. This course includes service learning hours within the Florentine Community. Service learning is a method that incorporates intentional learning with service to the community, in which the service component functions as a reflection on classroom learning for all tasks performed. In addition to regular class hours, students will be involved in a volunteer project for the entire session that integrates them in the local community in order to remove barriers and gain a sense of social responsibility. The acquisition of new skills and knowledge obtained in the service learning environment outside the classroom will enrich the learning experience and contribute to personal and emotional growth, as well as cultural consciousness, to develop a greater sense of a global citizenship and sensitivity to the needs of others. Students are guided through the experience by the non-profit association supervisor and the service learning coordinator to enhance outcomes both inside and outside the classroom. The contribution to the association is not only crucial to a deeper understanding of course topics but also allows for a greater sense of belonging in the community, allowing for students to acquire a heightened awareness of emotional intelligence that enhances the classroom learning experience.
3 semester credits. This advanced lecture/lab course explores the history of art therapy as well as different contemporary theoretical approaches as well as practical applications of art therapy in various contexts and settings. Specific advanced scientific literature will be discussed, case studies will be analyzed, and contemporary challenges will be dealt with in order to shape critical knowledge of art therapy ethics, boundaries, limits and meanings associated with taking care of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Using their own personal experiences, students will use a great variety of media from diverse perspectives first-hand: writing, drawing, painting, collaging, and other techniques will be connected to each art therapy perspective in different ways in order to offer an idea of the flexibility required when dealing with this discipline. Glimpses will be also offered on other expressive art therapies such as music therapy and dance therapy. Prerequisites: Introduction to Art Therapy or equivalent.
4 semester credits. This advanced lecture/lab course explores the history of art therapy as well as different contemporary theoretical approaches as well as practical applications of art therapy in various contexts and settings. Specific advanced scientific literature will be discussed, case studies will be analyzed, and contemporary challenges will be dealt with in order to shape critical knowledge of art therapy ethics, boundaries, limits and meanings associated with taking care of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Using their own personal experiences, students will use a great variety of media from diverse perspectives first-hand: writing, drawing, painting, collaging, and other techniques will be connected to each art therapy perspective in different ways in order to offer an idea of the flexibility required when dealing with this discipline. Glimpses will be also offered on other expressive art therapies such as music therapy and dance therapy. This course includes service learning hours within the Florentine Community. Service learning is a method that incorporates intentional learning with service to the community, in which the service component functions as a reflection on classroom learning for all tasks performed. In addition to regular class hours, students will be involved in a volunteer project for the entire session that integrates them in the local community in order to remove barriers and gain a sense of social responsibility. The acquisition of new skills and knowledge obtained in the service learning environment outside the classroom will enrich the learning experience and contribute to personal and emotional growth, as well as cultural consciousness, to develop a greater sense of a global citizenship and sensitivity to the needs of others. Students are guided through the experience by the non-profit association supervisor and the service learning coordinator to enhance outcomes both inside and outside the classroom. The contribution to the association is not only crucial to a deeper understanding of course topics but also allows for a greater sense of belonging in the community, allowing for students to acquire a heightened awareness of emotional intelligence that enhances the classroom learning experience. Prerequisites: Introduction to Art Therapy or equivalent.
3 semester credits. This course is aimed at students interested in visual and plastic arts and creative writing. Course topics will help students to define and find his or her own personal style and strengths, which can then be applied to other courses related to visual and creative disciplines. Students will be given writing assignments to practice personal thought processes in order to develop their own creative style and apply it to the media of their respective fields.
3 semester credits. This lecture and lab-based course focuses on issues related to the art education of culturally or linguistically diverse children, gifted children, or children with special needs. Students will learn developmental instructional strategies which can be used to plan and sequence effective art-learning experiences for children with special needs. The course will especially focus on how art educators can help encourage and guide a child's artistic self-expression and sense of discovery. Students will also explore alternative assessment strategies for evaluating children's learning and performance in art. Prerequisites: Introduction to Art Education or equivalent.
3 semester credits. This course introduces students to all aspects related to the operations and management of an art gallery and its exhibited content. Students will be involved in curating and promoting art shows and art-related events through community and on-campus exhibitions. Course projects and activities will contribute with the journalism activities of Blending, the magazine of AUF’s campus press Ingorda.
6 semester credits. This course introduces students to all aspects related to the operations and management of an art gallery and its exhibited content. Students will be involved in curating and promoting art shows and art-related events through community and on-campus exhibitions. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Course projects and activities will contribute with the journalism activities of Blending, the magazine of AUF’s campus press Ingorda.
3 semester credits. The objectives of this special project are based on creating an opportunity for the student to observe and participate in the coordinating and curating activities of art, design, and photography exhibitions in a gallery setting. Students will be exposed to various tasks including daily operations, exhibitions, catalog creation, show installation, and interaction with local and international artists. The student will also assist the on-site curator with promotional tasks ranging from press releases to social networking. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. This placement may require PM shifts, shifts that take place on weekends, or ongoing research-based activities for remote placements. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Remote option students will gain international community exposure through a virtual setting. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Main tasks: Artist research and scouting, exhibition installation development, catalog creation, artist relations, event curation, final portfolio. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code. Not applicable to remote option. Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
3 semester credits. This internship course involves students in the curating activities of a professional fine arts gallery. Students will collaborate with curators and gallery managers on the organizational and operational tasks of developing, organizing, and implementing an art exhibition. Interaction with local and international artists will be a fundamental aspect of the internship, and duties will range from logistical preparation, administrative duties for the gallery management, promotion and press documentation, and other tasks assigned by the organization. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours or ongoing research-based activities for remote placements. The internship enhances student knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor who regularly monitors the internship progress and development, and guides the student’s preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the student’s language and professional skills. Main tasks: Artist research and scouting, exhibition installation development, catalog creation, artist relations, event curation, final portfolio. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code, not applicable to remote option. Laptop required for certain placements. Prerequisites: A2 level of Italian language. Cover letter, CV, portfolio of previous work, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
3 semester credits. Participation and sharing are current urgent issues of the contemporary art practices of our times, when the main outcome is not the production of the final aesthetic object or work of art but the work in progress, which involves dealing with sociology, anthropology, environment, and institutions. After the study of certain territories and conflicting realities, the artist becomes a producer of ideas and the conductor of behaviors and practices meant to stimulate consciousness and awareness. The direct participation of human resources, as well as the reliance on forces and materials available in situ, are often crucial for the success of such art projects. This course will examine specific works of older and younger generation of artists, from Christo and Jean Claude to Rirkrit Tiravanija and the Italians Alberto Garutti and Cesare Pietroiusti. It aims both at examining important projects of public art, social intervention, street art, happenings, and teaching the know-how behind those practices in order to arrive to the production of a project involving the public of Florence in different degrees. Prerequisites: Intermediate fine arts, art history, or visual arts course, or equivalent.
3 semester credits. This art course aims to make students aware of their creativity as well as to teach them how to utilize and take advantage of it. The course will enable students to define the artistic techniques that are best suited to their talents, as well as to master and appropriate them as tools for expressing their inner world. The course consists of lectures and workshops. Lectures focus on the nature of creativity, art, genius, technique, aesthetic, and artistic judgement in the history of art and philosophy from ancient Greece to present times. Workshops include a wide range of exercises based on creative telling, writing, painting, and movement.