Art 31, a high school art course entitled "The Contemporary Artifact", examines the impact of international influences and technology on modern art and modern art's impact on society. The basic art education philosophy of the province of Alberta is presented, and the role of the Art Studies program, which emphasizes the student as a perceptive critic, consumer, and historian, is explained. The three consecutive levels of Art Studies, Art 11, 21, and 31, are designed to take students from a consideration of their own experiences with art, through an historical analysis of art forms, to a global investigation of art in contemporary culture. General goals and the scope and sequence of specific objectives for student achievements at each level are highlighted in terms of the function, creation, and appreciation of art. An outline for Art 31 is included which describes specific concepts to be taught within the curriculum themes of the impact of world culture on the purposes of art, the impact of technology on the creation of art, and modern art and society. (JHP)