Practicum
Synthesizing Practices: Art History’s Applications Outside the Classroom
Abstract
Synthesizing Practices is a practicum project that examines how students and alumni use art history beyond the classroom. Through a series of video interviews, the project investigates how students who participate in art history classes learn to prioritize visual observations; critically analyze issues; research, write, and present ideas; and contextualize information within a historical framework. Synthesizing Practices documents student experience but also — through the subjective process of video editing — builds new narratives around the role that art history plays in our educational, professional, and creative lives.
Committee
- Stuart Lingo, Chair (Art History)
- Adair Rounthwaite (Art History)
Bio
Laura Todd is an academic adviser, artist, and student of art history. She has worked with undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Washington School of Art + Art History + Design as a professional academic adviser for over 18 years. Her research practice centers around how art historical knowledge is relevant both inside and outside the classroom. “As someone who makes art, studies art history, and works with students, I am interested in how we make meaning from looking at and writing about images and objects. What are the ways in which we bring that meaning into our own educational, professional, and / or creative areas?”
Synthesizing Practices website
Education
- Master of Arts, Art History, University of Washington, 2020
- Bachelor of Fine Arts, Painting, University of Victoria, 1995
