Why choosing what to leave out is a political act

When Curriculum Becomes Art Practice: Art Education as Engagement with the World · 36:55 · Video: MIT OpenCourseWare · Watch at the source

In short: Art education can be more than just learning techniques; it can be a tool for social engagement. This video explores how educators can disrupt traditional models to connect students with lived experiences and complex social issues.

Artist B. Stephen Carpenter II argues that curriculum development is inherently political because it involves deciding what content to include and, crucially, what to exclude. Rather than just teaching 'The Elements of Art & Principles of Design,' he suggests moving toward models that engage with the world as it is.

The discussion highlights various frameworks for modernizing art education, such as Olivia Gude's "Postmodern Principles" and the use of Storyspace hypertext software. It also references diverse works ranging from John Snow’s epidemiology to Andres Hernandez's work on informal settlements to illustrate how different disciplines can inform pedagogical practice.

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