Introduction
Art stands at the
intersection of culture, politics, religion, and philosophy, making it an ideal
place from which to understand the liberal arts. Through the practice and
analysis of art, students develop a rich understanding of how and why works of
art are made, why art has played an integral role in human experience for
centuries, and how to apply their understanding of visual expression to
professions in the arts. There are two
options for completing the major, emphasizing the study of either art history
or studio art. For an explanation of the two options within the Art & Art
History major, see the College Bulletin.
Courses appropriate for prospective majors
The normal way to
begin the major is with one of the introductory courses (100 level) in studio
or art history, or one of many appropriate 200 level courses without
pre-requisites.
Prospective majors concentrating in art history are advised to
schedule ARTH 101 or ARTH 102: Introduction to Art History, or an appropriate
200-level course in the first year.
Prospective majors in studio art are advised to schedule ARTH 101 or 102,
and ARTH 122 Fundamentals of Composition and Drawing, or ARTH 123, Fundamentals
of Sculpture and Three-Dimensional Design, in the first year, if possible.
Courses that fulfill distribution
requirements
Division IC - the arts:
Any course in the
department may be used to fulfill one Division IC course.
Comparative Civilizations:
Courses offered in
non-Western art will fulfill this requirement.
Course descriptions,
requirements for the major: refer to the College Bulletin: Art & Art History. Students wishing to major or minor in Art & Art
History should announce their intentions to the Art & Art History
Department Chairperson as soon as possible; we like to include our majors and
minors in all departmental activities.
Opportunities
for off-campus study
The department
sponsors a summer program in Toulouse, France, in alternate years. Students may
take a select number of courses in art history and studio art at Toulouse,
Bologna, and Norwich Dickinson Centers for study abroad in the junior year. In
addition, students may also study studio art and art history in three
Dickinson-affiliated programs at Syracuse University in Florence, SACI in
Florence, and Temple University in Rome. Students interested in these programs
will want to consult with their art instructors or the department chair
regarding these programs and the requirements for each.
Additional
remarks
Related activities:
The Arts Collective is the major student organization related to the Art &
Art History Department. This group participates in organizing social events,
films, and exhibitions for students interested in art and art history, e.g.,
field trips to museums in Philadelphia and Washington. Also, the Arts
Collective annually presents a Senior award to the outstanding graduating
major.
Majors Committee:
Majors, elected from a slate of self-nominees, attend departmental meetings and
serve as liaisons between faculty and other majors.
Careers:
Many recent graduates are pursuing advanced Art & Art History degrees,
preparing to become scholars and teachers or working on MFA's in preparation
for careers as artists. Others are employed as architects, curators in museums,
directors/owners of art galleries, news photographers, stage designers, fashion
designers, and appraisal experts. (Art & Art History majors have also
become lawyers, doctors, dentists, research scientists, and designers and
buyers in business.) Consult with an Art & Art History Department advisor
for additional information and advice regarding careers in the visual arts.