PRES 505 Visual Arts as a Source for Teaching (VAST) at Philadelphia Museum of Art

Division of Continuing Studies Professional Institute for Educators

2 credits 45.0 hours
600 level graduate course

Each summer the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Division of Education offers K-12 teachers of all subject areas the chance to renew their spirit of inquiry through VAST: Visual Arts as a Source for Teaching. This program allows teachers to immerse themselves in the museum?s collections and its use as a resource in the classroom. The collections serve as the starting point for lively experiences that stress an interdisciplinary and multicultural approach in looking at and teaching from works of art. Participants take part in lectures, demonstrations, small group discussions, behind-the-scenes meetings with museum curators, writing workshops and field trips to build skills and strategies for teaching humanities-based curriculum. The Professional Institute for Educators is pleased to partner with the Philadelphia Museum of Art to provide the opportunity to earn credit as part of this program. Teachers must first apply and be accepted into VAST by the PMA. A program fee is paid directly to the museum. To apply, contact the PMA Ticket Center at 215.235.7469. Questions should be directed to Barbara Bassett, Curator of Education at 215.684.7587. Upon acceptance, participants may then register for credit by contacting PIE at 215.717.6006. VAST ? Nature Through the Lens of Art + Science The natural world is central to the work of artists and scientists. It provides a source of inspiration, fosters inquiry and enlivens the imagination. During the week, participants explore nature through the lenses of art and science and discover the intersections between these two disciplines. Through lectures by curators and invited scholars as well as gallery sessions with museum educators, examine a range of art from different times and places, such as 17th century Dutch still lifes, Japanese scrolls, Hudson River School paintings and 20th century earthworks. Participants engage in hands-on art and writing activities and make special visits to area institutions including the Barnes Foundation and the Academy of Natural Sciences. Teachers work in small groups to brainstorm ways to bring these ideas back to the classroom.

Open to graduate students from the Division of Continuing Studies.
This course is not repeatable for credit.
This course may not be audited.
This course cannot be taken pass/fail.