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      The perennial question: “So where will that take you?” An exploratory study of University of Waikato students' judgements of the value of study in the arts.

      Fourie, Elna
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      Fourie, E. (2009). The perennial question: ‘So where will that take you?’ An exploratory study of University of Waikato students’ judgements of the value of study in the arts. (Thesis, Master of Arts (MA)). The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10289/3508
      Permanent Research Commons link: https://hdl.handle.net/10289/3508
      Abstract
      This thesis explores the value of study in the arts, as perceived by third year

      students at the University of Waikato. The research consisted of two phases; an

      initial survey of 200 students, studying both within and outside of arts disciplines,

      and the second, in-depth interviewing of eight arts students. The inquiry focussed

      on the value students perceive study in the arts to have, and also the value they

      perceive others to ascribe to such study. In eliciting a unique perspective of

      students, the study aimed to add commentary to ongoing debates about the value

      of the arts, and about the value of studying the arts.

      Discourses on the value of the arts often focus on the economic utility of the arts,

      since they espouse creative and innovative qualities which positively add to the

      economy. The value of the arts is also reported in terms of intrinsic benefits like

      self-expression, as well as the benefits they can provide communities. However,

      work in the arts is often reported as being at a deficit when it comes to issues of

      employability. In addition, artists are often likened to outdated stereotypes.

      Similar debates exist in relation to the arts in education. At school level, it seems

      the arts are valued for intrinsic benefits, like cognition, and self-expression, and

      for aiding achievement in all subjects. They are often also promoted for teaching

      skills which are necessary for success in this day and age, including skills in selfconfidence,

      creativity, and innovation. At the same time, a neoliberalist view

      mandates that education, at tertiary level especially, should produce "skilled

      workers" as a commodity for the economy. As such, arts disciplines are more

      often compelled to justify their existence than other disciplines.

      It was evident that research participants’ perceptions echoed some of these

      debates. Through the emergence of several themes, it was clear that students felt

      study in the arts was not well regarded by others. However, they took heart from

      intrinsic, creative, and expressive benefits of their studies. Interest or passion

      mainly motivated the pursuit to study in the arts. However, the imperative to find

      a job was still a concern for research participants. Tension seems to exist between

      the seeming need of an "outcome", which translates to a job, and the impulse to

      create something that is uniquely, and personally, expressive.

      While the non-tangible values were important to arts students, benefits of money

      and career were perceived to be more important to outsiders. Students posited this

      difference of opinion on misconceptions, and a lack of understanding about what

      study in the arts entails. While perceiving others to have negative value judgments

      about study in the arts, the students’ personal convictions, of the usefulness and

      value of their studies, were not diminished. Those interviewed also suggested

      three ways to possibly change negative value judgments: increasing

      understanding, projecting positive stereotypes, and positioning the arts, at school

      and at university, in such a way that they become respected, and sought-after,

      avenues of study.

      These, and other research findings, constitute a need for further inquiry. This

      research has by no means covered all aspects of arts study, but it offers the insight

      of a small group of students, at a certain place and time; experiences which may

      well find echoes in larger settings.
      Date
      2009
      Type
      Thesis
      Degree Name
      Master of Arts (MA)
      Publisher
      The University of Waikato
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