Arts Integration in the Social Studies: Research and Perspectives from the Field

Abstract

In light of the growing interest in arts integration and interdisciplinary approaches to the teaching of social studies, this study was conducted to examine social studies educators ’ use of the visual arts and their perceptions of the impact of arts integration on students. Based on their classroom experiences, the majority of the participants expressed strong support for teaching with art. They have observed that arts integration increases their students ’ levels of interest, leads to meaningful discussions, and fosters historical and cultural understanding. When the arts are used in social studies instruction, students begin to recognize and value diverse cultural patrimonies. Culture; individual development and identity; and individuals, groups, and institutions are among the themes of the National Council for the Social Studies that connect strongly to the arts. Artistic objects, as well as monuments and cultural sites, contribute to the human sense of heritage. Interdisciplinary approaches in the social studies will lead to integrated knowledge. “It is the beautiful, appealing, and intriguing that makes us want to look at visual culture,” Kerry Freedman (2003, p. 24) wrote in Teaching Visual Culture. Through art analysis, students become aware of symbols and their meanings (Gardner, 1990). They learn about artistic conventions and design elements. Because of technology, students today live in a world that is saturated by images. The purposeful integration of the arts in social studies has to be considered within the context of our contemporary, highly visual culture.

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