The Museum of Modern Art

Art & Ideas: Teaching with Themes

Larissa Raphael
Francis Estrada
Lisa Mazzola

Instructors: Larissa Raphael

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(477 reviews)

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
Approx. 15 hours
Learn at your own pace
99%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(477 reviews)

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
Approx. 15 hours
Learn at your own pace
99%
Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

  • Explore works of modern and contemporary art through a variety of accessible themes that relate to classroom content and student experiences.

  • Learn about the ways that a thematic approach supports interdisciplinary teaching and learning

  • Hear directly from artists about their ideas and processes

  • Gain exposure to a range of digital resources available for teaching with themes and incorporating content around works of art into your classroom

Details to know

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Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Teaching with Art: Using Inquiry, Activities, and Themes Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 6 modules in this course

Welcome to Art & Ideas! In this course, you'll learn to see art through a new lens—one that focuses on themes instead of chronology or historical movements. Themes allow us to make connections between multiple artworks, classroom content, and our own lives. Teaching with a thematic approach not only makes art more accessible but also centers the student experience and supports interdisciplinary teaching.

What's included

2 videos6 readings1 assignment

In this module, we'll explore our first theme: Places & Spaces. When you ground your lessons in sights and structures that are familiar, you provide students with a direct connection to the artwork. You'll discover some of the ways artists have represented place and found inspiration in their surroundings.

What's included

10 videos6 readings1 assignment

In this module, we'll move from place to people as we discover some of the ways artists express, explore, and question identity. You'll learn about portraiture and how artists have created representations of themselves and others. You'll also explore strategies for using art to explore the topic of identity with students.

What's included

10 videos8 readings1 assignment

In this module, we'll consider how artists use everyday objects to challenge assumptions about what constitutes art and how it should be made. At the core of this theme is the idea of artistic choice and the works you encounter will offer insight into the creative processes artists and designers use to invent and transform everyday objects. You'll also gain skills for making interdisciplinary connections and fostering students’ critical thinking abilities.

What's included

10 videos6 readings1 assignment

In this module, you'll explore artworks created in response to the social, cultural, and political issues of their time. You'll gain a deeper understanding of history and contemporary society and explore strategies for encouraging students to think critically about world events and how they are depicted.

What's included

10 videos6 readings1 assignment

In this module, you'll take everything you've learned and create your own thematic lesson plan using works of art. We'll also share some resources you can save and use in the future.

What's included

6 readings1 assignment

Instructors

Instructor ratings
4.8 (105 ratings)
Larissa Raphael
The Museum of Modern Art
3 Courses169,220 learners
Francis Estrada
The Museum of Modern Art
3 Courses169,220 learners
Lisa Mazzola
The Museum of Modern Art
4 Courses579,076 learners

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Recommended if you're interested in Music and Art

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