May I take art courses if I'm not interested in majoring in art?
Yes, definitely. In fact, Davidson as a liberal arts college encourages this. Each Davidson student is required to take at least one fine arts course offered through the art, music, or theatre departments. In art that course can be any course numbered below 300, plus 318.

I've heard it's sometimes difficult to get into studio classes—is that true?
Studio classes are very much in demand and probably should be placed high on your registration tree. However all Art 100-Basic Studio classes are designated for first- and second-year students only, as well as several sections in the other basic courses.

What if I'm interested in photography, pottery/ceramics, or graphic design?
Davidson's studio courses cover the traditional areas of drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. At this time the art department does not offer courses in photography, pottery/ ceramics, or graphic design. However, work is done with clay in the basic studio and sculpture classes, there is a very active Photography Club on campus, and students with a special interest in these areas can take classes at other nearby institutions.

What's involved in becoming an art major?
Art professors usually advise potential art majors to take several art courses, in both studio and art history, before choosing art as a major. Most Davidson students wait to choose their major until near the end of their sophomore year, when they are required to do so. Students choosing to major in art may take an emphasis in either studio art or art history. All art majors take courses in both areas in order to meet the requirements for a degree in art. When declaring an art major, a student should first speak with the art professor he/she wishes to be his/her adviser, fill out and get the required signatures on the Declaration of Major form available through the Registrar's Office, and return the completed form there.

What if I want to study art abroad?
The art department provides occasional international experiences in art history based in Rome, Paris, or London. Participants are chosen through an application and interview process and do not have to be art majors. In addition, art department faculty and Davidson's Office of Study Abroad can provide information on numerous programs offered by other institutions that include the rigorous academics necessary for a student to receive transfer credit at Davidson.

How do I get transfer credit for art courses I take abroad or at another institution?
The Registrar first determines whether or not Davidson College will give credit for courses taken elsewhere. If you are an art major and want a course counted toward your major, you are strongly encouraged to discuss your plans well ahead of time with your faculty adviser. Normally up to two courses taken elsewhere can be considered for art major credit at Davidson (additional courses may count toward graduation requirements at the discretion of the Registrar). In order to receive art major credit for a non-Davidson course, a student must submit all applicable materials (syllabus, papers, exams, portfolio, etc.) for each course taken to the department assistant by the appropriate due date (September 10 for the previous spring or summer terms, February 10 for the previous fall term). A Review for Credit form, available through the department assistant, should accompany each set of materials. The appropriate studio or art history faculty will review each student's materials and decide whether or not art major credit will be given. Then the student will be notified and a copy of the form will be sent to the Registrar's Office to confirm that credit is to be assigned.

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Want more information?
Email: brking@davidson.edu