Arts
Examining the role of The Arts as a catalyst for healing, transformation and action
Introduction
The practice of Art—in its infinite forms, functions and implications—is the most accessible and universal way of constructing meaning out of the world we inhabit.
Our Philosophy: The Arts are not just for experts. They are not solely for the enjoyment of the elite. They are not a superfluous extravagance. The Arts are for us all, expert and novice alike. They are not just an end in and of themselves, but a means. They shape, and are shaped by the world we inhabit.
Students in the Arts Scholars program gain a deeper understanding of the impact of art as a means to explore society and culture against the backdrop of our individual differences and shared experiences.
What you can expect: No matter your major, area of artistic interest, or skill level, as a member of our community, you will be challenged to strengthen your personal artistic skill set, experiment with new and different art forms, and gain a deeper understanding of the value of the arts in our personal and collective lives. We will investigate the power of the arts to:
- Communicate difficult concepts
- Advocate for social change
- Investigate the human experience
- Explore our own identities
- Develop our capacities as creative problem solvers and critical thinkers
- Reinforce, but also upend existing systems of inequality and oppression
Colloquium and Lecture Topics
Through a mix of lectures, discussions, demonstrations, collaborative art-making and interactions with guest artists, students consider:
- What is art? What is “good” art? Understanding social definitions of art and their influence on our beliefs of what should or should not be considered art.
- What does research look like in The Arts? Exploring common methods of research aligned with professional artistic practice.
- How have The Arts legitimated and perpetuated systems of inequality across race, socio-economic status, gender, etc.? Conversely, how can we leverage The Arts to generate equity and belonging? How can The Arts reshape or recontextualize understanding of our (individual and societal) learned history, biases and beliefs?
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | CPSA 100: Colloquium I | 1 credit |
| Semester 2 | CPSA 101: Colloquium II | 1 credit |
| Semester 3 | CPSA 200: Colloquium III | 1 credit |
| Semester 4 | CPSA 201: Colloquium IV | 1 credits |
| CPSA 240: Service Learning; or CPSA 250: Research (DSSP); or CPSA 260: Peer Teaching (DSSP) |
2 credits 2 credits 2 credits |
|
| Semester 1, 2, 3, or 4 | Supporting Course (var. Gen Ed) Supporting Course (var. Gen Ed) Supporting Course (DVUP or DVCC) |
3 credits 3 credits 3 credits |
Sponsoring College
Faculty
The Diamondback: UMD students' dance workshop highlights Japanese Butoh style, May 2022
Arts News
Paper Co-Authored by STS Undergrads Receives Best Paper Recognition at National Conference
During Sona Chudamani’s first year at the University of Maryland, she volunteered to be a subject for a research project. Her reason? “I didn’t have much to do during my freshman year, especially with everything being online,” she says.
Scholars recognizes Citation Class of 2022, Founders Circle Award winners
Students in College Park Scholars’s Citation Class of 2022 began their University of Maryland (UMD) careers in the fall of 2020, under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. They spent their first year almost entirely online: Some Zoomed into their program colloquium from their double-turned-single dorm rooms; others attended virtually from their families’ homes, away from campus.
2 Scholars alums named Merrill Presidential Scholars
Two Scholars alumni were among the 19 graduating seniors named this year’s Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars. The program recognizes the University of Maryland’s most successful seniors—as chosen by their academic colleges—and additionally honors the university faculty and K–12 teachers they cite for their mentorship. The two alums were: Alexia Ayuk, Business, Society and the Economy Katelyn Wang, Environment, Technology and Economy
UMD Grant Initiative Bolsters Scholars Curricula With Additional Experiential Learning
Hands-on, active learning has always been a hallmark of College Park Scholars. Thanks to new grants from the University of Maryland (UMD), some Scholars programs will expand upon those traditions with more resources and support. The grants come from UMD’s campuswide Teaching and Learning Innovation Grants initiative, which is providing significant funds—up to tens of thousands of dollars in some cases—for innovative educational projects that focus on active and experiential learning.
7 Ways You Can Make a Difference on Climate Change
The following article originally appeared in Maryland Today: Hundred-year floods occurring every few years. Record-breaking heatwaves buckling roads and withering harvests. Prolonged drought causing frequent wildfires. These days, it’s not hard to find dramatic examples of weather-driven disasters made worse by climate change. It’s also too easy to feel defeated by the magnitude of the problem.
4 Scholars Among the Freshman Cohort Spotlighted in Maryland Today
College Park Scholars students are an impressive bunch, and this year's entering cohort is no exception. Four Scholars students were among the handful of first-year Terps profiled in today's issue of "Maryland Today," the University of Maryland's daily newsletter: Marcus Barros, Public Leadership Aidan Borden, Media, Self and Society Shonchori Mukherjee, International Studies Sayee Naresh, Media, Self and Society