Applied Visual Literacy

FAIN: AKA-270241-20

University System of New Hampshire (Plymouth, NH 03264-1595)
Sarah Parrish (Project Director: September 2019 to December 2022)

A one-year planning grant to develop interdisciplinary courses integrating art history with other disciplines.

The new Applied Visual Literacy curriculum at Plymouth State University will exploit the interdisciplinary potential of the field of Art History by exploding the chronological and geographic format of the conventional curriculum into a suite of thematic courses that bring together faculty and students from multiple disciplines. Integrating visual literacy into science and pre-preprofessional programs will enable all students to actively participate in the visual culture of the 21st century.

Media Coverage

PSU professor receives art history grant (Media Coverage)
Author(s): N/A
Publication: The Laconia Daily Sun
Date: 5/4/2020
Abstract: Publication of the press release issued by Plymouth State University announcing the receipt and goals of the award.
URL: https://www.laconiadailysun.com/community/announcements/psu-professor-receives-art-history-grant/article_23b2d19a-8e34-11ea-9122-7331e1198b52.html

Plymouth State University Professor Receives $30,000 Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Plymouth State University
Publication: Plymouth State University Campus News
Date: 5/4/2020
Abstract: Grant will help PSU transform its art history program to engage students across all disciplines
URL: https://www.plymouth.edu/news/plymouth-state-university-professor-receives-30000-grant-from-the-national-endowment-for-the-humanities/?fbclid=IwAR1XaSiPOPP_Oi3GbYoB7wUqyl_DPB7XflDjqIr9fycjACTlkB7KPt0-D10

Associated Products

Applied Art History: Visual Literacy Across the Curriculum (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Applied Art History: Visual Literacy Across the Curriculum
Author: Sarah Parrish
Abstract: How might an art historical education change the way a doctor analyzes an ultrasound? The way a mathematician looks at a graph? Or how a politician presents her campaign? Visual literacy and close looking can help students innovate in any field, yet few have access to this vital training. With assistance from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Plymouth State University, NH, is developing an Applied Visual Literacy Curriculum that will infuse visual analysis skills into at least three preprofessional fields: business, health, and environmental science. The traditional art history major courses—currently organized by historical period and geographic region—will be replaced with a suite of thematic, interdisciplinary courses, including The Business of Art History, Envisioning the Environment, and Bodies of Art. Professors from these areas will collaborate to develop the new classes, creating an authentic blend of the participating discourses. Partnering with popular majors resolves practical enrollment issues in art history, creating a model that can be emulated by other institutions facing similar demographic challenges. More important, this curriculum brings together advanced students from across the university to engage in genuine, rigorous, and original inquiry that moves both of their disciplines forward.
Date: 11/09/2020
Primary URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoRIkcd34EU
Primary URL Description: YouTube video link to slide presentation of "Applied Art History: Visual Literacy Across the Curriculum," delivered at SECAC 2020
Conference Name: SECAC Conference

Applied Visual Literacy Website (Web Resource)
Title: Applied Visual Literacy Website
Author: Sarah Parrish
Author: Julie Miller
Abstract: A repository to share OER course materials, professional development materials, press, and links generated through the Applied Visual Literacy project.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: http://sarahdparrish.squarespace.com/applied-visual-literacy
Primary URL Description: Applied Visual Literacy website

"Getting with the Program: Curricular Redesign in Art History," panel at College Art Association Annual Conference (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: "Getting with the Program: Curricular Redesign in Art History," panel at College Art Association Annual Conference
Author: Sarah Parrish
Abstract: The past decade has seen a surge of scholarship on art history pedagogy, revealing a high degree of innovation within the field. Educators have called for much-needed diversification, flipped the classroom, and weighed the relative merits of chronological versus thematic approaches. However, previous publications and presentations on this topic typically highlight experimentation at the level of individual assignments or specific courses. The present panel expands this discussion to encompass program-wide changes. How are art historians reimagining the curriculum of entire majors, minors, options, certificates, or general education tracks? This is an urgent question at a time when the arts and humanities occupy a precarious position in higher education. Art history programs are adapting in response to shifts in enrollments, institutional priorities, and student demand. Possible solutions may involve strategically consolidating offerings, cross-listing classes with other disciplines, rebranding the major, or creating new interdisciplinary or pre-professional degrees. By sharing examples of how programs have responded to their particular circumstances, others can forge sensible solutions for their own contexts. More than simply reacting to logistical problems in higher education, however, curricular revision provides a valuable opportunity to reconsider the epistemology of art history and its role in the twenty-first-century academy and economy.
Date: 02/11/2021
Primary URL: https://caa.confex.com/caa/2021/webprogrampreliminary/Session8040.html
Primary URL Description: Abstract for conference session at leading art history conference, College Art Association.
Secondary URL: https://cdnapisec.kaltura.com/index.php/extwidget/preview/partner_id/266312/uiconf_id/29731991/entry_id/1_e72smyzi/embed/dynamic
Secondary URL Description: Video of panel opening remarks.

Art, Money, Power Course Materials (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Art, Money, Power Course Materials
Author: Sarah Parrish
Author: Ron Porter
Abstract: Syllabus and assignments for Art, Money, Power course offered at Plymouth State University in Spring 2021.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: http://sarahdparrish.squarespace.com/art-money-power
Primary URL Description: Link on Applied Visual Literacy project website containing syllabus and assignments for Art, Money, Power course offered at Plymouth State University in Spring 2021.
Audience: Undergraduate

Bodies of Art Course Materials (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Bodies of Art Course Materials
Author: John Christ
Author: Suzanne Gaulocher
Abstract: Learning outcomes and course modules for Bodies of Art course (not yet offered to students).
Year: 2020
Primary URL: http://sarahdparrish.squarespace.com/new-page-5
Primary URL Description: Applied Visual Literacy website page for materials related to Bodies of Art course development.
Audience: Undergraduate

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