Cynthia Costa, M.F.A. Art History
Education, Experience, Skills, Research
Cynthia Costa, M.F.A. Art History
Education, Experience, Skills, Research
About Cynthia Costa, M.F.A. Art History
Education
I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Painting from the Savannah College of Art & Design in 2000, followed by the completion of my Master of Fine Arts Degree in Art History in 2009. Throughout my graduate studies, my focus was on ancient Egyptian art and architecture, with secondary specializations in Roman and Early Christian/Byzantine art. This academic background has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the artistic traditions and cultural contexts of these historical periods, enriching my expertise in the field of art history.
Professional Experience
Since 2009, I have been a dedicated educator at Georgia Southern University, currently holding the position of Principal Lecturer of Art History with graduate teaching faculty status. Throughout my career at GSU, I have played a pivotal role in designing and developing a wide range of courses, both in face-to-face and online formats. These courses include Survey I & II, Art Appreciation, Aegean, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Early Christian/Byzantine, Medieval, Pre-Columbian, and Capstone in addition to Graduate Special Topics and Seminars.
In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I actively contribute to department and university committees, showcasing my commitment to the academic community. My role extends to overseeing art history general education coordination and assessment, further highlighting my dedication to ensuring the quality and effectiveness of art history education at the university.
Skills
I possess experience working with diverse Learning Management System (LMS) platforms, including Desire2Learn, Blackboard, Moodle, and Canvas. My commitment to effective higher education teaching practices is reflected in my certification by the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE), endorsed by the American Council on Education (ACE). This certification underscores my dedication to propelling student success through proven teaching methods.
Furthermore, I am a certified Quality Matters (QM) reviewer, specializing in the evaluation of online course design for effectiveness. Several of the courses I have developed and implemented have received QM certification, attesting to my proficiency in creating high-quality and engaging online learning experiences.
Research
My primary research interests center around cataloging, analyzing, and interpreting the various eye types present in ancient Egyptian sculpture, with a particular focus on expanding scholarly knowledge of the "sfumato" eye. While my expertise primarily lies in the field of ancient art, I have also delivered lectures and written papers on diverse art historical topics, including the Harlem Renaissance, Medieval Monsters, Caravaggio, Rodin, and the Impressionists, among others.
In addition to my research pursuits, I am committed to education, with a focus on the scholarship of teaching and learning. I have shared insights through lectures and writings on various educational topics such as blended modalities, student success and engagement in the age of COVID, effective course design, and the incorporation of gaming in the classroom. Noteworthy speaking engagements outside of Georgia Southern University include appearances at the College Art Association, The Telfair Museum of Art, The Learning Center, and the F.A.T.E. Southeast Regional Conference.
Contact Me
Questions or Comments
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Cynthia Costa, M.F.A. Art History
