Frequently Asked Questions

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.
• Return the completed form to the Registrar.

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?
Art majors may receive up to two credits towards their major for courses taken elsewhere.

• The student should have his/her transcript sent from the school to the Registrar’s Office at Davidson.
• If the Registrar awards Art 198 or 199 credit(s) for the studio and/or art history courses, then the student will need to submit documentation of work done to the department assistant, Brenda King.
• Submissions should be made by October 10th for the previous spring semester’s courses, or by March 10th for the fall semester’s courses.
• Documentation includes the syllabus, class notes, any papers written, projects undertaken, tests and the final examination.
• For a studio class, all two-dimensional work and documentation of three-dimensional work should also be submitted.
• A Review for Credit form, available through the department assistant, should accompany each set of materials.
• A copy of the notification of Art 198 or 199 credit should also be included.
• The material will be evaluated by a committee of either studio or art history faculty, as appropriate, in order to determine whether the work meets department standards for credit toward the major.  If so, the course number will be converted to 298 (Art History) or 299 (Studio). 
• If, in the faculty’s opinion, the case is borderline, the student will be asked to pass a test to verify her or his competency in the subject matter of the course in question.

REMINDER: The department does not assign credit for graduation. That is the Registrar’s responsibility.