[1] Pathways to the Past in the Art/History Classroom: Creating Connections between Art History and Popular Visual Culture Through Pedagogy and Assessment
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[1]
From: Elizabeth Pugliano
Subject: Pathways to the Past in the Art/History Classroom: Creating Connections between Art History and Popular Visual Culture Through Pedagogy and Assessment

From medieval castles guarded by dragons to main streets steeped in nostalgic Americana, students are bombarded with versions of the past in today’s media that borrow heavily from art historical sources. Familiarity with art historical references from popular visual culture can spark excitement and curiosity when the material is encountered in the classroom; but, the creative license of some entertainment media can create challenges. A lack of critical contextualization coupled with imagery often based on a Western-centric canon can raise issues that range from humorous misunderstandings to potentially harmful racial, religious, and cultural misconceptions.

This session aims to explore imaginative and effective ways to harness students’ enthusiasm while maintaining a critical approach to the popular uses and abuses of the past. What has worked in your courses? Have you found a pathway to connect student curiosity to deeper learning and a more nuanced understanding of art through applying new technologies, experiential learning practices, or the use of non-traditional materials? We welcome papers that discuss specific projects, strategies, and pedagogical approaches from studio faculty who use art historical references in their courses, studio/art history collaborations, and art historians, particularly those who specialize in the premodern and early modern past.

Abstracts of 200 words max may be submitted via the SECAC conference portal: https://secac.secure-platform.com. The deadline for submissions is 11:59 PM EDT on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

Please reach out to the session co-chairs Jessica Sponsler (sponslerjessicagmail.com) and Elizabeth Pugliano (elizabeth.puglianoucdenver.edu) with any session-related questions. For other questions about SECAC or the annual conference, please contact Tracy Stonestreet at SECACdirectorumw.edu.

Please note: Presenters must be or become members of SECAC through the date of the conference. A separate conference registration fee is also required. More information can be found on the SECAC website: https://secacart.org/.