Comparative Analysis of Practical Arts Curriculum at National Universities of Education in Korea

This study aimed to identify an optimal direction for curriculum development by comparatively analyzing the practical arts curriculum at universities of education nationwide. To this end, the study analyzed the curriculum for the class of 2024 at 10 universities, categorizing the curriculum into liberal arts and major courses, with subjects offered and corresponding credits (hours) analyzed. The study found significant differences in practical arts-related subjects offered across the universities. There were almost no required courses offered in general education, no elective subjects in the subject education and practice areas of the major curriculum, and no required subjects in the creative experiential activities. However, in the advanced course area, both required and elective subjects were offered for each practical arts education academic area, with home economics science being the most open. These results suggest a need to increase subject offerings in areas with insufficient or no availability and to ensure their incorporation into future practical arts education courses. For the practical arts curriculum of universities of education, the direction and content of curriculum innovation should reflect changes in the future educational environment. Moreover, efforts should be made to develop a platform to share and utilize information related to the practical arts curriculum.