Doing Historical Research

Abstract

Students preparing to become art teachers at Massachusetts College of Art enroll in a course that teaches them the techniques of historical research. Students' learning is organized around questions of their own choosing; their search for answers leads them to find physical evidence, real objects they may touch and examine closely. One student found part of a Chautauqua Industrial Art Desk, the researching of which opened up a multitude of possible directions for historical investigation. No longer should teachers consider historical research a dry pursuit; history explains where we are and is grounded in everyday life.

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Notes on contributors

Diana Korzenik

Diana Korzenik is Professor and Chair of Art Education. Her ferreting for evidence has resulted in her forthcoming book on 19th century American drawing instruction.