Art History
Students normally come to a Fine Arts major in sophomore or even junior year, hoping to complete the course work within a short period. The department tries to assist them in doing so with close supervision as well as encouragement to take several art history courses in approved programs abroad. Art History majors should plan their study abroad courses in consultation with the department.
No prerequisites are required although students are encouraged to take the Introduction to Art History (FA 101-102) as a foundation for further study. An extensive survey abroad would serve as a substitute. Students are limited to one or two semesters abroad but prior to senior year.
Since our department would like to offer its own stamp on the Art History major, Fine Arts prefers that the student take no more than three courses abroad. Most often courses taken abroad are used as major electives. These courses should not be taken in senior year, since the Senior Seminar is crucial to the completion of the major. In selective programs, e.g., in Florence, the students would be allowed to take an additional course or two with the prior approval of the department.
The most successful programs have been those in Europe--Italy, France, Spain, and England.
The department believes strongly that the study of art history in a location where there are first-class museums and programs will greatly enhance the student's understanding of the works of art in context. We will try to accommodate most worthwhile programs and make suggestions for the most effective ones based on former students' past experiences. Professor Stephanie Leone is the Art History Study Abroad Advisor and contact for course approval.
Film Studies
Although there are no prerequisites, students are encouraged to take the Introduction to Film Art (FM 202) and/or History of European Film (FM 283) to serve as a strong foundation for film studies, prior to going abroad.
Normally, the student should take no more than three film studies courses abroad. With the approval of the co-directors, the student may take other courses where there are solid, established programs, e.g., Paris. These courses should ideally be taken in junior year, since the student should complete the Senior Project under the close supervision of the advisor within the department. There are no restrictions on the term that a student may study abroad.
Often courses taken abroad are used as major electives. On occasion, parallel courses offered abroad might substitute for the required courses if the syllabi are close in content and approach.
Programs in France, Spain, Italy, England/Scotland, and Australia have been the most successful.
Co-Directors, Professor John Michalczyk and Professor Richard Blake, S.J. are the department Study Abroad Advisors and the department's contacts for course approval.
The Co-Directors strongly approve of the study of foreign film and make every effort to allow students to select their own area of interest in world cinema. The film studies offerings abroad in general are often limited to three or four courses during any one term. Prior to enrolling in courses abroad, it is required that the student get approval for the courses and have several options in case a specific course is not offered during the term(s) abroad.
Studio Art
The department believes strongly that study abroad is worthwhile, exposing students to not only other cultures but other forms and traditions of artistic expression. At the same time it cautions studio majors to consider their growth and development in the major and to integrate study abroad with their chosen area of concentration in consultation with their department advisor.
Students should have the following courses completed prior to studying abroad:
- Two courses (6 credits) of the following: FS 100 Ceramics, FS 100 Drawing I, FS 102 Painting I, FS 161 Photography I
- Selection of four courses in your area of concentration.
- Up to two of the seven electives that are required for the Arts and Sciences Studio major may be taken abroad.
There are no restrictions on courses taken abroad, but it is recommended that they are used to fulfill major electives or to develop the student's area of concentration. Study abroad should be limited to one semester. It is strongly advised that students speak to their faculty advisor about possible ideas for their Senior Project before going abroad. Professor Andrew Tavarelli is the department Study Abroad Advisor and contact for course approvals. The department recommends programs in Italy, England, and photography programs in Prague and Paris.
