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
Fall 2023’s Fresh Faces
This class of 4,750 new Terps includes a unique group of artists, athletes, scientists and entrepreneurs prepared to leave their unique mark on campus in and out of the classroom. Meet nine members of the incoming freshman class, including an Arts Scholar, excited to bring their skills and passions to campus.
Ready to Roll
The following article originally appeared in Maryland Today: Mid-Atlantic mugginess was no match for Fall Welcome 2023. Undeterred by sticky shirts, the heft of overstuffed suitcases and the complex science of properly loading a dolly, more than 9,600 Terps moved into residence halls from Thursday through Sunday with patience and eagerness. A variety of University of Maryland offices and units then drew them out of their new rooms with a weekend packed with games, Do Good activities, giveaways and other gatherings, all aimed at acclimating them to campus—and each other—before the semester officially starts on Monday.
Fossil hunting gains interest after major discovery
Searching for dinosaur bones has always been an interesting assignment for students in Thomas R. Holtz’s classes. But after the recent discovery of more than 100 dinosaur fossils, the exercise is now a little like prospecting for gold where it’s just been found.
Ewaoluwa Obatuase Advocates for Undocumented Immigrants
College Park Scholars Graduate Assistant Ewaoluwa Obatuase was so instrumental in crafting state legislation to allow qualified immigrants to obtain professional licenses that the Maryland law has been dubbed "Ewa's Bill."
Science, Discovery and the Universe Scholars Program to Close After Successful 25-Year Run
College Park Scholars has announced that, after 25 years of providing students with an interdisciplinary curriculum examining the role of science in society, the Science, Discovery and the Universe (SDU) Scholars program will close at the end of this academic year. The decision was made by mutual agreement between College Park Scholars and the Department of Astronomy, which sponsors the program.
Practicum Offers Hands-On Ways to Learn About ‘Complicated Issues In and Out of the Classroom'
Incoming students often hear about the various experiences that Scholars take on in their practica–the capstone project or culminating hands-on learning all College Park Scholars are required to complete in their second year. Though specific practicum requirements vary by Scholars program, students are commonly able to meet program needs by engaging in an internship, doing service-learning or conducting research.