Date of Award

Spring 6-4-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Education

First Advisor

Shana Cinquemani

Second Advisor

Nancy Friese

Abstract

This thesis is an investigation into patterns and overlaps of three critical elements in our world, art, nature, and education. Integral to this investigation and the contributions to humanity of these three are the accurate depiction of specific realities, upon which Science and the majority of global citizens agree, aesthetic sensibility, as well as beneficent solutions (i.e. those which do no harm.) Together we will examine the intersection of subjects, what they combine to achieve. We will consider how, taught and learned in unison, they may take on a position of greater prominence in efforts to solve real world problems. We will also consider whether, they combine to improve human and ecological well being by virtue of connection, to produce positive future outcomes.

This work examines and collects common threads within existing research, pedagogy, activism, and prescribed curricula (and/or the marked absence of the same.) In the process of this research, I attempted to identify what Art + Nature education is, what is at stake, when the connections of these disciplines are lost, and how we may shape ideas into powerful tools of ingenuity. These are tools that build resilience at a crucial juncture for teachers, students, communities, and the natural world.

Included in

Art Education Commons

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