Faculty Resources
POSSIBLE THEMES FOR CLASS VISITS
Medium and Message
How does the artist's choice of medium shape or transform the message? How is the message shaped or transformed by the medium in return?
Narrative
How do artists tell stories or alter our perceptions of reality?
Identity
Who is this person? What cues does the artist or subject offer to the viewer? How is identity created and how is it signified?
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Caption It
Students identify works that they think illustrate key concepts from class (this is about looking and reacting, not finding a right answer). They write a headline and an image caption to explain the connection. Students present their captions to each other in small groups and select one to present to the class. The class identifies the work and caption they feel best illustrates the concept. Excellent to test conceptual understanding and application.
Treasure Hunt
Students hunt for works by following clues and a map. To get the next clue, they must answer questions about the works they locate. Excellent for developing viewing skills. Language application: developing vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing.
What's Your Issue?
Instructors identify issues from the course material and corresponding artworks from the collection which students work in small groups to address. Each group is given background information about the work and a brief statement of the issues raised by the work. The students must discuss and resolve their issue and formulate a presentation of their issue and the work for class the next day. Images can be provided for class presentations or students could come equipped with a camera. Excellent for issues-based courses or intermediate language levels.
Token Response
Students are given icons to signify a variety of responses to art (love, hate, confusion, etc.) and are asked to place icons in front of works that elicit a response. Works that gain the most responses, or the greatest variety of responses, become the subjects of discussion as students explain why they love, loathe, or do not understand a work. Excellent to practice critical viewing skills, and translating the visual into the verbal. Language courses: good for conversation or practicing the subjunctive.
Find and Seek
Ahead of time students choose a work of art and write a descriptive paragraph about it. Students are then paired and exchange descriptions and use them to locate the works. When they find the correct work, they write their own response. Excellent for visual analysis, translating the visual to the verbal, and visual critique. Language students are required to practice vocabulary, grammar, and expressing emotions and preferences.
The Sample Class Assignments page has additional learning activities designed by faculty.
