Course Title: ART380 Art Therapy Methods, Materials, and Theories
Term: Spring
Course Description
Major credit. Prerequisites: ART 111, 112, 355, 357, or by permission of the instructor.
ART 380 illustrates the principles, field-specific theories, and applications of art therapy as related to media selection in diverse settings with a variety of populations. Considerations of developmental issues, environmental factors, cultural diversity, and accessibility will be explored. Strengthening communication skills, including APA formatting, visual and symbol research, and oral presentations, will be emphasized throughout the course―Lab fee.
Course Learning Objectives
To provide psycho-educational lectures, readings, discussions, and integrative experiences that:
1. provide an in-depth exploration of art therapy principles and theories as applied to art-making processes and products created by various populations;
2. highlight art materials' role in improving emotional regulation and enhancing creative thinking skills;
3. provide an opportunity for each student to practice art-based, group facilitation skills within the course's structure and support;
4. offer opportunities to learn the foundational research skills necessary to complete a Capstone Project as preparation to obtain a graduate degree in art therapy or another counseling-related field;
5. Support opportunities to explore and examine the value of cultural humility within the field.
Course Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
1. identify the principles and theories of art therapy as applied to art-making processes and products
created by various populations;
2. demonstrate art materials' role in improving emotional regulation and creative thinking skills;
3. demonstrate foundational art-based, group facilitation skills, including creating and implementing an art–based experiential;
4. exhibit the foundational research skills necessary to complete a Capstone project as preparation to obtain a graduate degree in art therapy or another counseling-related field;
5. cultivate cultural humility within themselves and diverse populations.
Required Texts and Other Instructional Materials
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American Psychological Association (2020). Publication manual of the american psychological association (7th ed.). American Psychological Association.
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Moon, C. (2005). Materials and media in art therapy. Routledge.
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Seiden, D. (2001). Mind over matter. Magnolia Street Publishers.
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Additional reading assignments are provided on Canvas.
Assignment 1: Population Presentation
Each student will create a PowerPoint presentation on one of the assigned populations. (Prezi and PowerPoint are the required formats; please do not use Google slides.) The presentation will be 30-35 minutes to present the subject and 15 minutes of feedback. Remember, you must give academic credit on each slide and have a Reference and an Image Reference page in APA format.
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Assignment 2: Seiden Presentation
Each student will also work in a dyad and present on a section in the Seiden book. You are welcome to create any presentation, discussion, Q and A, art experiential, offer a quiz, or whatever you would like to invent. There will be no PowerPoint presentations, and all the material in the sections must be covered. Be creative and explore ideas on how to present information.
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Assignment 3: Research Paper
Why is Art Beneficial for Older Adults? Now that we have examined children in ART 357 let's explore the other end of the developmental cycle. Start by researching the benefits of the arts with older adults. Include the pioneer study of Gene Cohen; there is an article on Canvas. Look for specifics of the population. Inquire, "Is it the same for individuals with cognitive deterioration or older adults?" What is happening in the research regarding the arts and cognitive deterioration vs. general development? Be curious! What are other questions that can be posed to the class?
Part A: Annotated Bibliography
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Part B: Outline (and APA formatted references)
Provide an overview by demonstrating the layout of the paper. Begin the outline with your thesis statement. The outline will include all research, document where the information was found in the source, and have last name, date, and pg. #). Include a comprehensive Reference list.
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Part C: Final Paper
The paper's final version will be 10-12 pages long, typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, and with other APA format requirements. The paper needs to be written with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion; subheadings may help the paper's organization. Include a minimum of 12 references, 3 of which have been published in the last five years.
Assignment 4: Weekly Scribble Drawing (Archetypal Imagery)
Each week, for ten weeks, you will complete a Scribble Drawing. Use 18" x 24" paper and either oil pastels or chalk pastels. Immediately after you draw, write a paragraph or two documenting your experience and what symbols emerge. Take a few minutes to record any relationship between the imagery and any additional meaning obtained. Please note these paragraphs will be personal and not shared in your electronic portfolio. During the final exam, bring all ten images; we will create response imagery and discuss the emergence of personal or archetypal symbolism.
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Assignment 5: Senior Year Field Application
This agreement is designed to support your academic success and prepare you for the expectations of an applied major internship and career planning.
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