Community-Engaged Practices in Design and the Arts (Graduate Certificate)

Program Overview

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The Community-Engaged Practices in Design and the Arts Graduate Certificate program at Arizona State University equips students with the skills to use their creativity and expertise to address pressing challenges. Through collaboration with communities, students learn to design and implement projects that empower communities and advance positive change. The program emphasizes ethical partnership, experiential learning, and creative problem-solving, preparing graduates for careers in community arts management, cultural organizing, and social entrepreneurship.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Community-Engaged Practices in Design and the Arts (Graduate Certificate) program at Arizona State University (ASU) is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to use their creativity and expertise to address today's pressing challenges. Through collaboration with communities, civic partners, and industry leaders, students learn to design and implement projects that empower communities and advance positive change.

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Objectives:

• Develop advanced hands-on skills in collaboration, project design, facilitation, and project management.
• Apply creative design and arts principles to address real-world issues in partnership with communities.
• Gain expertise in community-engaged practices and their impact on social change.
• Contribute to the advancement of culture and democracy through creative expression.

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Program Description:

This certificate program integrates community engagement with design and arts principles, offering a unique learning experience for students from diverse backgrounds. Through direct collaboration with community partners, students participate in projects that address community-identified needs and priorities. The program emphasizes ethical partnership, experiential learning, and creative problem-solving.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

The program consists of 15 credit hours, including coursework in community engagement, design thinking, project management, and an applied project.

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Structure:

• Required Core (6 credit hours):
• ART 542 Art and Community (3) or THP 514 Projects in Community-Based Theatre (3)
• HDA 510 Design and the Arts Corps Seminar (3)
• Electives (6 credit hours):
• Students choose from a range of electives relevant to their interests and career goals.
• Culminating Experience (3 credit hours):
• Applied Project (3)
• Students complete a project in collaboration with a community partner, applying the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the program.

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Course Schedule:

• Courses are offered in a variety of formats, including online, hybrid, and face-to-face.
• The program can be completed in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study.

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Individual Modules:

• ART 542 Art and Community: This course explores the role of art in community development and social change.
• THP 514 Projects in Community-Based Theatre: This course provides students with hands-on experience in creating and facilitating community-based theatre projects.
Students learn how to use theatre as a tool for social change and empowerment.
• HDA 510 Design and the Arts Corps Seminar: This seminar explores the intersection of design, arts, and community engagement.
Students learn about the history and theory of community-engaged design and the arts, and they develop skills in project design, collaboration, and leadership.
• Electives: Students choose from a variety of electives depending on their interests and career goals.
Some examples of electives include:
• ART 587 Public Art and Social Practice
• DSC 530 Design Thinking for Social Innovation
• THP 503 Arts Advocacy and Cultural Policy
• Applied Project: Students complete a project in collaboration with a community partner, applying the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the program.
The project should address a community-identified need and result in a tangible outcome.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Coursework assignments
• Project work
• Reflective essays
• Presentations
• Community partner feedback

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Assessment Criteria:

• Depth of understanding of community-engaged practices
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Project management and implementation skills
• Collaboration and communication skills
• Creativity and innovation

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Interactive lectures
• Group discussions
• Collaborative projects
• Community-based learning
• Guest speaker presentations

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Faculty:

The program is taught by faculty with expertise in community engagement, design, and the arts. Faculty members are actively involved in community-based projects and bring real-world experience to the classroom.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program emphasizes active learning and hands-on experience.
• Students work directly with community partners throughout the program.
• The program is designed to be flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of individual students.

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

• Community arts manager
• Cultural organizer
• Social entrepreneur
• Project manager
• Educator
• Arts administrator

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Career Opportunities:

• Nonprofit organizations
• Government agencies
• Community development corporations
• Arts organizations
• Educational institutions

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Career Outcomes:

• Graduates of the program are prepared to work in a variety of settings to advance positive change through the arts and design.
• They have the skills and knowledge to develop and implement community-engaged projects, manage projects effectively, and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

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Other:

• The program is open to students from all academic backgrounds.
• No prior experience in community engagement is required.
• The program is designed to be accessible to students with disabilities.