The use of aesthetics in a comprehensive art curriculum

This study focuses on using aesthetics in the art education curriculum. It also suggests a variety of approaches through which art educators may implement aesthetics in the classroom. Discussions of aesthetics were found in writings of Plato and Aristotle and continue to this day. Philosophers have defined aesthetics as a theory of the beautiful. Educators took this idea a step further in developing curricula and methods of educating that include aesthetics. It has been said in art education literature that aesthetics gives those who practice it a more complete understanding of art. To show the extent of benefits that aesthetics can have in art education, examples of aesthetic experiences are reviewed and discussed. Aesthetics as a philosophy of art develops into methods used in education. These methods will be discussed.;Using the knowledge that aesthetics reveals will demonstrate the importance of art through comparative analysis and historical variation. Aesthetics provides important knowledge about art that can give a classroom teacher motivational dialogue and stimulating ideas in teaching art. Helping students to understand the connection between art and aesthetics allows students to know more about and better understand the importance of each.