Opportunity

The Office of International Education and the Department of Art Education at Virginia Commonwealth University are pleased to offer a unique opportunity for students to engage in an arts-based service-learning experience in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.

Information

Students will be enrolled in a 3 credit Art Education course on campus at VCU during the spring semester. Students will then travel to Guatemala for the one-week on-site portion of the program from March 13-20, 2010.

Course: TOPICS CLASS - ARTE 491
ART & TRANSFORMATION: MAYAN ARTS PROGRAM

The Office of Education Abroad will enroll students in the course upon receipt of the registration.

Course Description:
Students will use experiences in an arts-based service-learning project in Guatemala as the foundation for the examination of relevant social and cultural issues and personal reflection through art. In addition to travel overview and lesson creation, pre-trip preparations will include readings and discussions targeting social justice, arts advocacy, community building, the effects of colonialism, art/craft as cultural legacy, and education. In Guatemala, students will stretch their concept of culture and community as intercultural relationships are formed and as they become familiar with various social, economic and environmental issues facing both the indigenous Highland Maya. While there, students will work in a Mayan community alongside women leaders, teachers and elementary school children during Spring Break (typically on a community art project and/ or teaching lessons). After students return from the trip, the class and guest critics will help individuals develop a small body of work with an emphasis on social justice and action. This “body of work” is an opportunity for students to examine critical issues and personally relevant experiences. These can be works of art, dance, drama, film shorts, photography, short stories, essays, children’s books, or curriculum.

For more information, visit http://www.international.vcu.edu/abroad/programs/vcu/programdetail/p41.aspx

Requirements

Deadline to apply: December 15, 2009. Applications will be accepted through the online system (http://www.international.vcu.edu/abroad) until the deadline or until the end of the add/drop period.

Because a diverse mix of participants is desired, students who are interested in Painting and Printmaking, Sculpture, Crafts/Material Studies, Film/Photography, Kinetic Imaging, Communication Arts, Creative Writing, Theater and Education students are encouraged to enroll. Students will teach as well as make art and should be prepared to work independently and collaboratively. Students will also need to demonstrate situational flexibility necessitated by the constraints placed on international small groups. While students with these courses are probably sophomores or older, exceptional freshman will also be considered.

Contact

Office of International Education
Education Abroad
817 West Franklin Street, Room 122

Phone: (804) 827-7882
E-mail: abroad@vcu.edu

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 at 6:41 am and is filed under Communication Arts, Craft, Film and Cinema, Kinetic Imaging, Painting and Printmaking, Photography, Sculpture, Theater.