Praxis II Art: Content, Traditions, Criticism, and Aesthetics Exam

The Art: Content, Traditions, Criticism, and Aesthetics exam is taken by prospective art teachers who have bachelor’s degrees in art or art education. This exam assesses the capacity of future art teachers to analyze, critique, and discuss pieces of art and architecture. The exam is composed of three essay questions that take approximately 20 minutes each to complete. The topics of each essay are as follows:

• The Content of Works of Art
• Global Traditions in Art, Architecture, and Design
• Criticism and Aesthetics

The Content of Works of Art essay question will require the examinee to describe how the components of art work are used to express meaning in a piece of art and how the components convey the artist’s intent.

For the Global Traditions in Art, Architecture, and Design essay, examinees will be asked to identify and examine pieces of art or architecture, focusing on the historical and social aspects of the art piece. Recognition must be demonstrated of the influence of different art movements on the themes and styles of artists in other periods, as well as the representation of cultural beliefs and societal positions of artists in art.

The final essay, on Criticism and Aesthetics, will require the examinee to show comprehension of art criticism by discussing standard elements of criticism and to interpret and analyze a piece of art by using elements such as imagery and symbolism. All three essays will be scored on the same scale, from 0-5, with a score of 5 being the highest score. A score of 5 will be given for essays in which the examinee shows in depth understanding of the questions and gives thorough and detailed responses for each part of the question with liberal use of art vocabulary. Essays that receive a score of 4 demonstrate adequate knowledge and understanding of art and of the questions, and use correct examples and vocabulary, but not as extensively as essays that would receive a score of 5.

Essays that receive a score of 3, demonstrate a simple understanding art and the questions, though the responses are considered accurate. A score of 2 is given for minimal knowledge and inaccurate responses and examples. Essays score a 1 for demonstrating no knowledge of art, using no art vocabulary, and not answering each part of the question. For questions that are left blank or answered off-topic, the essay will receive a 0.