EDF3181 - Art, community and environment - 2019

This unit develops the student's understanding of the visual arts with a focus on the relationship between art, environment and sustainability education across various community and cultural contexts. Students are encouraged to develop proficiencies as teachers, artists and researchers while nurturing their creativity, ecological awareness and critical thinking skills. They undertake art experiences that creatively explore environment and community contexts and extend their knowledge of art processes, technologies and techniques appropriate for young children. They become familiar with a range of theories, contemporary pedagogical approaches and curricula that inform the practice of art education across early childhood, primary and community contexts. The unit combines practical, theoretical, critical and pedagogical tasks that integrate art, community and environment learning. Models of art pedagogy, strategies for inclusive teaching and the evaluation and assessment of quality art experiences are explored theoretically and practically.

Upon successful completion of the unit students should be able to:

1. Develop skills in a range of visual art practices and creative pedagogical approaches that connect art with environment, community and sustainability awareness within local and global contexts;
2. Analyse and communicate knowledge about how art relates to community and environment through exploring various cultures (e.g.: Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander, Pacific and Asian cultures) and cultural institutions;
3. Initiate, design and plan compelling ACE (Art, community and environment) experiences that are based on research and engage learners with diverse backgrounds, ages and abilities;
4. Select and apply assessment strategies and resources to develop learning and teaching sequences relevant to art, community and environment;
5. Communicated arts based research through clear presentation, proficient and appropriate writing, cohesive and selective use of images.

ACE (Art, community and environment) project proposal (individual or group task as negotiated with the Lecturer) (2000 words equivalent, 50%)

ACE folio collection (2000 words equivalent, 50%)

Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • 2 hours per week
2. Requirements for on-campus block City-based students:
   • one intensive weekend block
   • at least 4 hours of active online engagement in Moodle activities per term
3. Requirements for offshore Kaplan-based students:
   • one intensive block (usually from Thursday to Sunday)
   • at least 4 hours of online study per term
4. Additional requirements:
   • independent study to make up the minimum required hours per week

See also Unit timetable information

Early years education

Early years and primary education