Art History

Independent study and Interdisciplinary Studies

Independent, upper-level study is for qualified, self-motivated students with good track records who wish to explore particular topics in greater depth.

The art history department requires a basic foundation in lower-level courses including AHI 121 or AHI 122 and one upper-level course in the area of the proposed topic. An independent study is neither an interesting topic for further reading nor a paper synthesizing reading in secondary sources. This kind of work is best pursued as a paper in an upper-level course.

Rather, an independent study is a set of clearly defined, art historical and historical problems which you plan to explore while doing original research in primary source materials in order to make an original scholarly contribution. Primary sources are texts and images from the period of your topic.

Qualified students may also propose an independent study of broad reading in an area not normally covered by the department in its upper level courses.

Before developing a detailed proposal, meet with the professor who would serve as your primary advisor and talk over your plans. Then prepare a formal proposal to be submitted to the departmental chair. Rough drafts of proposals for spring semester projects are due by November 20th of the previous semester with final drafts due on December 1st. Rough drafts of proposals for fall semester projects are due by April 15th. Final drafts are due on April 31st.

(NOTE: The department has an earlier deadline for independent study than the one in the college handbook.)

Students in any major may also earn a certificate from one of the College's innovative interdisciplinary centers. Requirements for the certificate programs include a challenging combination of coursework, in-depth research and a funded summer internship in the U.S. or abroad. The four centers are:

- Ammerman Center for Arts and Technology
- Goodwin-Niering Center for Conservation Biology and Environmental Studies
- Holleran Center for Community Action and Public Policy
- Toor Cummings Center for International Studies and the Liberal Arts (CISLA)