This course reviews the theoretical and empirical literature related to developing creativity and critical thinking and describes practical and effective methods of measuring and encouraging these cognitive abilities in gifted and non-gifted students. This conceptually-based course emphasizes the nature of art, curriculum, the developmental growth of children, the methodology of teaching and the creative use of art processes and materials. It is designed to provide teacher education candidates with a basic understanding of the creative process through the development of the "language" of art. Teacher education candidates will be encouraged to apply this understanding and generate quality creative experiences for children.