Versus

Issue date: 3/14/05 Section: features

[Click to enlarge]

Many students have trouble choosing the "right" major. What they want might not be off ered. For example, there is no current major for Environmental Studies, though there is a minor. The option of interdisciplinary study may be appealing, but it may seem daunting to create an entire major, especially if the student is not entirely sure of his or her choice.

The curriculum at Vanderbilt does change, however, and one big change in the College of Arts and Science is the addition of the Studio Art Major. Students interested in studio art now have the opportunity to major in it, taking 33 hours of diff erent courses in art and art history, as well as completing the normal CPLE requirements.

Marilyn Murphy is a professor of Art at Vanderbilt and was one member of the faculty who has worked toward this major for many years. "This is a very exciting time for us," she said. "The atmosphere was not right for it in the nineteen eighties, but now people seem to be open to it." Murphy went on to state that many students have attended Vanderbilt who had an incredible talent for studio art, and a great interest in learning. She fi rmly believes that "this major will help [Vanderbilt] help each student fi nd his or her voice as an artist."

Along with the new major come changes in the art facilities. The studio art classes had been given in the Cohen Building on Peabody campus, but next year will be moved to the new art building on main campus,
as of yet unnamed. The building is situated behind Branscomb Quadrangle and will feature, among other things, a circular drawing room surrounded by glass windows, and personal studios for each senior in the
major.

Not everyone believes the addition of the studio art major to be a necessity. In fact, the issue was discussed for over twenty years because of unreconcilable dissenting views. However, now that the major has
been added, one might expect two outcomes. First, the new major might help attract diff erent types of students to Vanderbilt. Murphy explained: "There might have been people who did not apply because this major was not off ered, and now they might consider Vanderbilt. This will help bring in a more diverse group of students." Vanderbilt may profi t from this major by being of interest to a new type of art student, or more students who work to create their own pieces.

Secondly, the new art building itself will have an impact on campus. Located near Sarratt Student Center and Memorial Gym, there will now be a more focal facility to bring in displays of art. Each senior in the major will have his or her own studio, and the visibility of the student
artists will be higher in this more central location. Overall, the addition of
the new major will benefi t the students who want to focus on studio art,
now given a great opportunity and excellent new resources.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools