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Arts students pose in front of a mural

Arts

Creative practice as personal expression and social commentary

Introduction

Art—in its infinite forms, functions and implications—is the most accessible and universal way of constructing meaning out of the world we inhabit.

The Arts Scholars program helps students gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the role that art plays in society and in history. Through a mix of lectures, discussions, demonstrations, collaborative art-making and interactions with guest artists, students consider:

  • How art can help us uncover our past and more readily imagine the possibilities of the future;
  • How and why art may be used to make an impact or send a message; and
  • What different works of art, and personal reactions to them, may signify.

Students will be challenged to conceptualize, articulate and present original ideas through a variety of methods, getting firsthand experience in creative problem-solving and project execution. Ultimately, students will strengthen their personal artistic skill and learn to appreciate a broad spectrum of art disciplines. 

The Arts Scholars program attracts a diverse student population from a range of academic disciplines. No matter their area of artistic interest or skill level, students will find themselves immersed in a collaborative learning environment.

Colloquium and Lecture Topics

  • What is art? What is “good” art? Understanding social definitions of art and their influence on artistic taste. 
  • How can we leverage the influence of artistic practice to constructively comment on the depth of our differences, our shared commonalities, and the nuances of identity as individuals and community members?
  • What does research look like in the arts? Exploring common methods of creative and artistic research in the professional world.
  • In what ways can we embrace creative approaches to identify, address and bring clarity to the societal challenges faced by “you,” “us,” “them” or “other”?
  • How can art reshape or recontextualize understanding of our (individual and societal) learned history, biases and beliefs? How can it make visible the invisible?
  • West African djembe: Exploring the role of music in community building, storytelling and cultural understanding

I have been challenged to think differently, work cooperatively, embrace creativity and, most importantly, go beyond the limits I have set for myself. Because of this program, I can confidently say I feel infinitely more prepared for the “real world,” and for that confidence and growth, I could never be more grateful.

Alexandra Curry
Alexandra Curry, '22

Other Learning Opportunities

A variety of learning opportunities supplements the Arts curriculum. As an Arts Scholar, you will be introduced to artists, professional ensembles and world-class institutions each semester, through workshops led by guest artists; attendance at live performances in Washington, DC, New York City and on campus; and visits to the Smithsonian's renowned art and history museums.

In addition, you will get a chance to:

  • Conceptualize, execute and present a capstone project of your choosing during your second year;
  • Participate in service-learning with local schools and arts nonprofit organizations; and
  • Cultivate valuable leadership and communication skills through peer mentoring and peer teaching opportunities.

Curriculum Overview

Over the two-year program experience (four semesters), students will complete up to 6 credits of supporting courses that will count toward your Arts Scholars citation. In most cases, these will also fulfill General Education requirements. Note that your Scholars courses—colloquiums, capstone practicum and supporting courses—will generally be in addition to any courses you take to satisfy major requirements.

The following represents a typical two-year curriculum, but individual schedules may vary. Details about courses and requirements can be found on the Arts Citation Checklist. 

SEMESTER COURSE CREDITS
Freshman Fall Scholars Colloquium 1 credit
Academic Writing (can be taken either Freshman Fall or Spring semesters) 3 credits
Arts Service Learning (Optional) 2 credits
2–4 courses toward degree and major requirements (including possible supporting course) 6–12 credits
Freshman Spring Scholars Colloquium 1 credit
Arts Service Learning (Optional) 2 credits
3–5 courses toward degree and major requirements (including possible supporting course) 9–15 credits
Sophomore Fall Scholars Colloquium 1 credit
4–5 courses toward degree and major requirements (including possible supporting course) 12–15 credits
Sophomore Spring Scholars Colloquium 1 credit
Scholars Capstone 2 credits
4–5 courses toward degree and major requirements (including possible supporting course if not already completed) 12–15 credits

Sponsoring College 

College of Arts and Humanities

Residence Hall

Bel Air Hall

Office Address

1110 Bel Air Hall

Office Phone

301-405-0522

Faculty

Portrait of Harold Burgess

Harold Burgess

Program Director, Arts
Portrait of Heather Bremenstuhl

Heather Bremenstuhl

Associate Director, Arts

Social Media, Etc.


Arts News

Showing 7 - 12 of 173
  • Three Scholars Named ODK Top Ten Freshmen

    Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) is a nationally recognized leadership honor society.  The Sigma Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Society annually recognizes the Top Ten Freshmen of the University of Maryland. 

  • Strengthening Communities, a Course at a Time

    Civic Engagement Across the Curriculum at UMD (CEAC at UMD), a pilot professional development program, supported 12 instructors, including several College Park Scholars program directors and staff, from seven schools and colleges as they integrated community-focused strategies and experiences into more than 20 courses serving over 1,000 students, in disciplines as varied as art, kinesiology and sociology, during the fall and spring semesters. College Park Scholars in the CEAC at UMD 2024-25 Cohort:

  • Do Good, Win Big

    An organization, represented by a College Park Scholars alum, working to ensure surplus food doesn’t go to waste took one of the $10,000 top prizes at the University of Maryland’s 13th annual Do Good Challenge last week.Four other finalists, including another Scholars alum, shared in another $20,000 in prize money awarded at the pitch competition, which drew more than 500 students, staff, faculty, and community members to the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center to hear teams’ ideas about how to make the world a better place.

  • UNWIND Magazine Returns to Highlight Media Scholars, Campus Life at UMD

    COLLEGE PARK, MD – After a hiatus driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, UNWIND Magazine is back with a pilot issue that showcases the talent of University of Maryland (UMD) Media, Self and Society (Media) Scholars and offers a fresh perspective on life on and around campus. Written and produced by students, the relaunched UNWIND brings a new look and lively content that dives into the heart of the Terp experience.The pilot issue features a diverse range of stories and visuals, including:

  • Pair of Scholars Advance to Do Good Challenge Finals

    Anticipation continues to build as 2025 Do Good Challenge finalists prepare to take to the stage in the annual pitch competition for a share of more than $40,000 in prizes. On Tuesday, April 22, the finalists will share more about their work and impact with an audience of hundreds and a panel of expert judges. The teams were selected from groups and organizations across campus that are tackling issues ranging from providing health education to reducing health disparities around the world to educating low-income youth on how to become entrepreneurs. This is the 13th annual Do Good Challenge hosted by the Do Good Institute, based in the School of Public Policy.

  • STS Alums Shine at Lockheed Martin Ethics in Engineering Competition

    At Lockheed Martin's Ethics in Engineering annual case competition, academic institutions, each represented by a two-student undergraduate team and accompanying faculty, present their solutions to a fictional case involving ethical, business and engineering dilemmas. In addition to the hands-on opportunities for students to learn about Lockheed Martin and its technologies, the annual event compels students to think about the importance of ethics in the workplace and the various real-life dilemmas that can arise, especially in the multifaceted and fast-paced world of technology.

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