Program One explores the history of art in connection with a general program of humanistic education.  It demands broad exposure to the visual arts produced in different time periods and cultures and trains majors to understand works of art as intimately related to the historical, intellectual, social, and politicial fabrics of which they were a part.  Students in Program One are encouraged to explore a range of media including architecture, painting, sculpture, photography, film, and new media. 

Concentrators in this program explore the traditions, thought processes, and methods of making visual art in connection with a general program of humanistic education. Courses are offered in painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, photography, film and video production, and film history and theory.

This program brings together faculty from a variety of departments in a major that combines academic training in archaeology with practical experience on excavations (participating in a summer excavation project is normally required). The program is designed to combine broad comparative study across cultures with specialization in the area of a student’s particular interest. Individually tailored courses of study are arranged with the advice and approval of the Program Three adviser.

A certificate of proficiency in the visual arts is awarded to students who successfully complete a substantial program of studio work while majoring in another academic department. Sophomores interested in a certificate in visual arts should submit a portfolio to the Lewis Center for the Arts administrative office by the first weekend following spring break. The admissions committee will notify students accepted into the program by early April. Normally students must complete at least one visual arts studio course before being admitted to the program. One course in the Department of Art and Archaeology is also recommended.

Students interested in film criticism and analysis may pursue the film and video track within the visual arts certificate program while concentrating in another academic department. To enter this track, students must have the approval of their department of concentration to submit a written critical/historical thesis on a film-related topic. Normally students in this track must complete a production course and a course in film history or theory before being admitted to the program.