Foundations for Arts in Community

This required course presents a foundational study of the role of the creative arts and creative people in the transformation of persons, families, communities and societies. An artist typology will be explored along with major change models and arts-based community development paradigms. These set the stage for the fields of arts-based community development, cultural community development, development communication, arts-integrated teaching and therapeutic arts. Practical applications of theories will be considered in planning and implementation of arts-based programs. Key definitions of arts in transformation terms and models are essential to this course. An artistic reflection project on transformation and organizational case study are required.

Course Objectives

• Define the history and context for the field of arts in transformation
• Present the nature and power of the arts in transformation through both personal reflection and contemporary research
• Understand the contexts in which arts in transformation through the presentation of case studies

Student Learning Outcomes

• Apply the Arts in Restorative Transformation (ART) model to personal and community transformation through discussions and case study analysis.
• Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze an organization involved in social transformation using arts-based models and integrating the terms of the field.
• Effectively apply terms in the field to personal and professional applications and contexts
• Demonstrate an understanding of transformation through a creative art project that presents transformation within the civic context.
• Define one's gifts and roles in transformational context