Seventeenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

This study addresses the problem of insufficient emphasis on the significance of art courses on the development of 21st-century skills in university curricula. As globalization continues and the economy develops, industries increasingly interconnect, creating the need for individuals with design thinking skills. Universities are responsible for equipping the next generation of scholars and innovative thinkers with the skills needed to succeed, such as creativity, adaptability, innovation, and collaboration. However, universities provide a disservice to students and their future employers by isolating departments and overlooking opportunities for collaboration. Rather than this narrow-minded approach to education, there must be a disruption in academia to challenge the status quo and begin reflecting on the needs of an increasingly globalized world. This research study used a qualitative single case study methodology based on constructivist learning theory and design thinking to analyze the effect of art education courses taken by non-art majors on students’ development of 21st-century skills. The literature examines why a lack of emphasis on the arts exists and what skills students gain through arts exposure.