Praxis II Art Content, Traditions, Criticism, and Aesthetics 0132 Exam

Art and art education majors who plan to become art teachers are often required to pass the PRAXIS II Art: Content, Traditions, Criticism, and Aesthetics (0132) exam as a certification requirement. The hour-long test consists of three essays, one in each of the following areas: criticism and aesthetics; global traditions in art, architecture, and design; and the content of works of art.

Each question on the PRAXIS II Art: Content, Traditions, Criticism, and Aesthetics test is worth approximately 33 percent of the total exam score. Essays are scored on a scale of 0-5.  Blank responses or off-topic answers receive zeroes. Responses that are incomplete, inaccurate, or show little understanding earn ones. Correct answers that show only some understanding earn twos, while those that are accurate but lack detail receive threes. Top scores go to answers that are accurate, detailed, and written in the language of art discourse.

Criticism and Aesthetics

When responding to the essay question on this portion of the PRAXIS II Art Content, Traditions, Criticism, and Aesthetics exam, examinees must explain a given work of art, demonstrating their knowledge of art criticism and art terminology as they do so.

The Global Traditions in Art, Architecture, and Design

On this section of the PRAXIS II Art: Content, Traditions, Criticism, and Aesthetics test, examinees are required to identify and examine a work of architecture or a piece of artwork in respect to its historical or social significance.  They must additionally be able to identify the work’s stylistic influences as well as its themes in relationship to its social and cultural environment.

The Content of Works of Art

This portion of the PRAXIS II Art: Content, Traditions, Criticism, and Aesthetics test requires that candidates assess and describe various aspects of a given work of art. They must also explain how these diverse elements suggest the artist’s intent.