Using Internet Primary Sources to Teach Critical Thinking Skills in Visual Arts

Book excerpt: Use the Internet to teach visual arts and refine students' critical thinking skills! This book is based on the Discipline-Based Art Education program, a proven art instruction program that teaches everything from the creative process and art history to criticism and aesthetics. An abundance of primary source Web sites and background information is offered. The main focus of the book is western art history and painting, but examples of sculpture, drawings, prints, and architecture are included, along with a chapter on diversity. Part I provides background material. A brief history of art education is presented, followed by a review of the components of design elements and principles. The book describes using the Internet as a primary source by identifying and evaluating websites. Part II follows the program through the main historical periods, from prehistoric and ancient Middle Eastern art, through the Renaissance, through the 20th century. A bibliography and index are included.