A STUDY ON GLASS EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT PROBLEMS OF THE GRADUATES IN TURKEY: A CASE OF ANADOLU UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF FINE ARTS, DEPARTMENT OF GLASS

The discovery of glass material which has been used by many civilizations from Mesopotamia to Europe dates back to 3000 B.C. The art training was performed in master-apprenticeship relationship and started to appear in various school curricula in many art and occupational schools in Europe since 19th century. Academically, glass education has started in our country since 1991 in the scope of Fine Arts, which is now given at associate degree and bachelor's degree level. Among the institutions providing glass education, the department of glass, established as an art major in Anadolu University, Faculty of Fine Arts in 2004-2005 academic year, is the first and the only in terms of infrastructure and equipment. However, it has been observed that graduate students have various difficulties in finding a job in educational institutions and glass industry. In this article, the history of art and industry of glass is discussed; glass education and employment problems are evaluated in the case of Anadolu University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Glass. The experienced difficulties are identified relying on this case to raise awareness about this issue.