Art history offerings are designed with the recognition that the artistic products of any period are related to the social, political, and cultural concerns of that period. Students at Colby are able to approach art from both a practical and historical perspective and thus are better able to understand the total experience of art. The point scale for retention of the major applies to courses taken in the department. Students planning to continue the study of art or art history in graduate school should confer with their advisers to be sure that they have planned a substantial and adequate course of study. Art history graduate programs generally require reading proficiency in two foreign languages.
Attention is called to the interdisciplinary major in American studies.
For students who are fulfilling the major in art, the studio concentration is offered to provide a broadly founded studio sequence that will assist in the development of skills and strengthen portfolios for any anticipated graduate studio work. The studio concentration must include at least a four-course sequence in either painting, printmaking, or sculpture among the requirements for the major, for a total of 12 courses. Students should make every effort to complete the drawing requirement as early as possible, thus allowing their advanced studio work to build upon that experience. Requirements for the Concentration in Art History For students who are fulfilling the major in art, the art history concentration is offered to prepare the student for graduate work in the field. Art history concentrators are required to take an art history seminar at the 300 level or above, for a total of 12 courses.