Academic Program Curricula Between Reality and Quality Standards: The Department of Art Education, Faculty of Arts and Architecture, Derna A Model

Abstract

Curricula and courses in arts-related disciplines form a fundamental pillar of the higher education system. With the rapid transformations in the concepts of quality and program accreditation in university education, course content analysis has become an indispensable scientific and systematic procedure to ensure the achievement of deep and integrated learning. This study aimed to analyze the content of courses in the Department of Art Education at the Faculty of Arts and Architecture, University of Derna, to reveal the extent to which these courses conform to quality standards, diagnose their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately provide development proposals that contribute to improving the quality of the educational process and its outcomes. The study was based on the descriptive approach and the content analysis approach, and adopted a normative framework derived from the guide adopted by the National Center for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Educational and Training Institutions, Educational Program Standard - Fourth Edition 2023 AD for program accreditation. The study focused on six main indicators, and the results showed a high degree of conformity in the aspect of theoretical knowledge, in contrast to a severe weakness in the logical sequence of courses, the development of applied skills, active learning, and e-learning, in addition to the absence of organizational frameworks related to course description and periodic evaluation. The study also revealed weaknesses in the development of critical thinking, scientific research, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. It concluded with a set of recommendations, most notably: conducting regular training workshops for faculty members to explain the importance of adhering to quality standards in course design and implementation; activating and regularly updating the course and program description system in accordance with program accreditation requirements; developing teaching methods; and integrating e-learning and blended learning to cultivate critical thinking and teamwork skills. This aims to achieve a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, thereby enhancing graduate competence and preparing them to meet the demands of the labor market.