Modern Social Science Research

With the addition of 46 emerging majors by the Ministry of Education—such as Intermedia Arts, Art and Technology, and Game Art Design—art and design education is navigating a transformation driven by the deep integration of "Art + Technology." Simultaneously, the explosion of Generative AI has raised fundamental questions about traditional foundation teaching centered on modeling and shaping capabilities: When AI can generate high-quality images in seconds, what is the value of manual drawing training? This article argues that instead of being weakened, the humanistic and aesthetic core of foundational modeling courses should be reinforced in the AI era, focusing on cultivating student abilities that AI cannot replicate: the observation of lived experiences, the perception of cultural contexts, and the transmission of emotional warmth. The paper proposes a paradigm shift from "basic modeling skills" to "basic modeling faculties." By aligning with the common requirements of newly added art majors, it explores—from the dimensions of curricular philosophy, content restructuring, and pedagogical methods—how to establish humanistic aesthetics as the value foundation of modeling courses while leveraging the empowerment of digital technology.

Basic art courses; Artificial intelligence; Humanistic aesthetics; New art majors; Teaching reform