Agency and Neoliberal Logics in Arts and Humanities Curriculum Change

• In Event: 43.022 - Critical Perspectives on Postsecondary Curricula

Abstract

Arts and humanities fields are important to higher education for the benefits they provide learners, but many universities are cutting programs in these fields to save money. As faculty in arts and humanities adapt to keep programs alive, there are concerns that neoliberal logics and other forces will hamper the benefits that make arts and humanities so important. This paper explores arts and humanities curriculum changes in the neoliberal context, and how faculty and staff enact agency in change processes. Drawing on three case studies of program development in arts and humanities fields, I found that participants strategically aligned curriculum changes with neoliberal ideologies to advance their fields and support faculty and students.

Author

• Robert L. Hill, Michigan State University