Q on the study of art

[D. Medvedev Fan]

My college requires that students take a class in visual or performing arts. Why should college students study some kind of art? What does it add to life? What value is it?

[Amazing Rando]

My college requires that students take a class in visual or performing arts. Why should college students study some kind of art? What does it add to life? What value is it?

If the goal of a college education is to teach only the most basic, rudimentary skills, then universities would pump out expressionless, autonomatons without any imagination whatsoever. Art is perhaps the area of cognition that separates humans from the animal world most clearly. It teaches us to value truth, beauty, and passion. Art gives value to life. It's where our souls find outlets for expression through music, poetry, theater, or the visual arts (in my case, it was B&W photography).

I think that incorporating some form of art education into the liberal studies requirements at a university is crucial, because otherwise some people are going to putter aimlessly through life not knowing the world of beauty that they're missing.

[NeilUnreal]

There's a lot I could say, like "life would empty without art," etc. But instead I'll just make an observation by analogy:

One's first art appreciation class or drawing class may indeed seem meaningless, but it is only so in the sense that the first incomprehensible word of a foreign language is meaningless. It takes study and time to become fluent and learn to hear the vast conversation that has been going on unheeded all around one.

A life without art is like a life where the vast majority of all discourse goes unheard and uncomprehended. One doesn't know what one is missing until at least a little of the conversation is understood. An art appreciation requirement is intended to give one an entre into the conversation.

-Neil

[Twilly Spree]

Aww as an art major this kills me! Why should you take an art? Why shouldn't you? I know the idea sucks, take one more class. I will say my theater appreciation class was dull, dull, dull. But I really did enjoy seeing some plays. Do you have a film appreciation class? I tried so hard to get into ours, but it just didn't work. And as art major, I couldn't take art appreciation.

I guess think of your art appreciation class as a break from the hardcore studying. A way to inspire you, possibly open your eyes. You'll never know what you can learn if you keep an open mind and eye.