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.
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
Residence Hall
Bel Air Hall
Faculty
Social Media, Etc.
The Diamondback: UMD students' dance workshop highlights Japanese Butoh style, May 2022
Arts News
Media Scholars Launches New Media Literacy Display in CCC
COLLEGE PARK, MD –The College Park Scholars Media, Self and Society program is excited to announce the launch of a new media literacy display in the Cambridge Community Center (CCC).This display, supported by a grant from The Do Good Institute, features original content created by students in the Media Scholars program. The videos, photo essays, and infographics in the display will be updated regularly and viewed by hundreds of students who attend classes and study in the CCC every day. These pieces cover topics such as fact-checking, the role of journalism in a democracy, understanding media representations, and practical tips on how to make media work for you.
Adventures in the Animal Kingdom
When Claire Quinn (B.S. ’15, biological sciences) graduated from the University of Maryland, she wanted to find a job where she could share her passion for biology and conservation and make a real difference in the world.
JLT Scholars help explain the Restorative Justice Alternative Resolution Process
The Restorative Justice Alternative Resolution Process (RJARP) is an alternative resolution process to the formal conduct process. It applies restorative philosophy to help our community understand how they impact themselves and those around them, and to build a stronger and more caring community.
What’s Real and What’s Not in ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’: A UMD Paleontologist Explains
“Jurassic World Rebirth,” the latest installment in the blockbuster movie franchise, is out Wednesday, going back to its roots with a high-stakes adventure to a remote tropical island. And streaming on PBS now is the newest iteration of "Walking With Dinosaurs,” a BBC series that brings viewers into the lives of six species, mixing footage of scientists on digs around the world with animated sequences imagining how they lived.
Scholars Faculty, Staff Honored at Annual UGST Awards Ceremony
Each Spring, the Office of Undergraduate Studies hosts a year-end celebration and reception to honor the accomplishments of its faculty and staff.One of the highlights of the ceremony is the presentation of the Donna B. Hamilton Teaching Awards. The Donna B. Hamilton General Education Teaching Award recognizes extraordinary teaching in a General Education course across the whole university based on undergraduate student nominations. The Office of Undergraduate Studies recognizes two faculty members for excellence in teaching each year: one faculty member teaching in an Undergraduate Studies Program, and one faculty member teaching in a General Education Program.
Fifteen Scholars Named Senior Marshals
The University of Maryland Senior Marshals represent graduating seniors who have demonstrated the highest levels of scholarship, service to the campus community, extracurricular involvement, and personal growth.The 70 senior marshals, who carry the banners for schools, colleges and departments, are Spring, Winter, and Summer graduates who have stood out during their time at the University of Maryland for academic excellence, service to the university community, noteworthy extracurriculars and good character. Fifteen of them have received citations from College Park Scholars programs.