May 16th, 2009Study Abroad guideline
There are many opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in the art world outside the classroom. Study abroad programs allow students to experience in depth the art of a particular culture, whether it’s Italian, French, Japanese, or Russian. Nicky Myers, who participated in a full-year study abroad immersion program in Toulouse, France, said of her experience, “It was challenging but exciting to be in a class with 70 French students learning art history in their language.”
The Department of Art History and Archaeology strongly encourages majors to consider studying abroad. Students commonly go during their junior year, for one or two semesters, and may receive up to 30 hours of credit. Washington University has programs in Germany, France, England, Spain, Greece, China, Japan, Africa, Australia, and elsewhere. There are also many other non-affiliated programs available. In many programs language is not necessarily an impediment since courses are frequently offered in English. Some notices about such programs are posted on the bulletin board outside the departmental office. Art History students should not be shy about petitioning to attend programs that are not pre-approved by Study Abroad for Art History. Petitions to attend additional programs and to get full academic credit are often granted for sound academic reasons. Consult the Study Abroad Office for details on the petition process.
All questions about study abroad opportunities in art history and archaeology should be directed to Study Abroad Advisor, Professor Rebecca DeRoo (Kemper 217, 935-5225) In particular, any questions on the Washington University Florence Program should be directed to Professor William Wallace (Kemper 214, 935-5223).
Students intending to study abroad should consult with their major advisor before planning their courses, as the granting of art history major credit for courses taken abroad is at the discretion of the Department. According to College of Arts and Sciences rules, at least half of the credit hours for the major must be completed in residence. Furthermore, the final 30 units toward the degree must be earned at Washington University.
Students who study abroad will normally enroll in two 400-level seminars in their senior year, for which they must have fulfilled equivalent prerequisites while abroad. It is occasionally possible to receive seminar credit for no more than one course taken abroad.
Upon returning, the student should submit a dossier to the current Study Abroad Advisor of all course materials from classes for which art history credit is sought. This usually includes notes, syllabi, writing assignments, and exams. It is the student’s responsibility to get these materials while abroad, and to return to campus with them. These are the primary materials the Department’s Study Abroad Advisor will use to determine the amount of credit earned abroad.
Students need to remember that in courses taken abroad, credits transfer, but grades do not. The only exception to this rule are courses taught by Washington University faculty teaching abroad in the Florence program.
Returning students who wish to write a senior honors thesis (see separate guidelines) will need to take extra care in planning their major.
