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Degrees & Programs
Often, the place of arts in education is misunderstood, and even challenged, in schools and by the larger society. This calls for determined, passionate, articulate, and strategic practitioners who can collaborate with a wide range of colleagues. Guided by our expert faculty, our Arts and Learning (A&L) Concentration builds on our longstanding commitment to the integral role the arts play in education and prepares you to work across art forms, age groups, and learning environments. Through coursework experiences that emphasize contemporary theory and on-the-ground practice, you will learn the knowledge and skills needed to shape creative, culturally responsive experiences for all learners. This concentration prepares students to steward arts education programs across the educational landscape, from K–12 public schools to community-based educational spaces, and cultural organizations.
“Artists and works of art look at issues related to identity, diverse perspectives, culture, values, and ask if the world is really as it could and should be. We need as many ways as possible to explore multiple dimensions of those issues, especially the living human experiences that intertwine with them. Arts education can help us do that.” Louisa PenfoldFaculty Co-Chair
“Artists and works of art look at issues related to identity, diverse perspectives, culture, values, and ask if the world is really as it could and should be. We need as many ways as possible to explore multiple dimensions of those issues, especially the living human experiences that intertwine with them. Arts education can help us do that.”
Louisa PenfoldFaculty Co-Chair
The Arts and Learning Concentration engages students in a learning community where you will develop knowledge on contemporary theories, practices, and debates connecting to the role of arts in education. You will learn about diverse approaches, research, policy, and strategies for integrating the arts across diverse education settings including schools, cultural organizations, community centers, and digital platforms. Content within the concentration emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, community engagement, and embodied interactions in learning. A&L is designed for individuals passionate about the role the arts play in education and does not require concentrators to have formal artistic training or identify as artists. You will have the opportunity to personalize your experience so you can apply your arts and learning expertise to your desired career in education.
Students will work closely with faculty associated with their area of study, but students can also work with and take courses with faculty throughout HGSE and Harvard. The faculty co-chairs for Arts and Learning are below. View our faculty directory for a full list of HGSE faculty.
Raquel Jimenez conducts interdisciplinary scholarship that draws from the fields of education and cultural studies to consider how people engage with artmaking practices to make sense of shifting sociopolitical landscapes.
Louisa Penfold is co-chair of the Arts and Learning Concentration. Her research and practice focus on contemporary art, early childhood education, and play-based learning across schools, museums, and public spaces.
The A&L Concentration will prepare you for a career in areas including arts administration, arts policy, cultural leadership, arts activism, arts research, and teaching. This includes professions such as:
As a participant in the A&L Concentration, you will connect with other members of your cohort through coursework and field experiences. Outside of class, there are opportunities to share your artistic work and engage in the arts across HGSE, Harvard, and the Greater Boston area. It is an energizing and inspiring experience to be surrounded by so many creative artists and educators — all working together to make an impact in the lives of others.
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