Students in the Fine Arts Department benefit from a rigorous and varied curriculum that unites theory and practice. Whether majoring or minoring in Art History, Dance, Graphic Design, Music, or Studio Art, they work closely with dedicated faculty who are internationally recognized scholars, artists, and performers. Our courses provide a thorough grounding in the history of these fields from a global perspective, drawing upon a variety of traditions. Students achieve mastery within their respective disciplines through intensive study of both artistic techniques and scholarly methodologies. They hone their skills through individualized programs of study that include such learning opportunities as one-on-one lessons, independent research projects, internships, and study abroad courses. Thanks to our emphasis on pre-professional training, our students have gone on to pursue successful careers in the arts; please visit our Alumni Spotlight for examples.

Learning Outcomes by Major

Art History Major

Art History is the critical study of the visual, spatial, and material forms of creative expression and achievement in human cultures throughout the world, past and present. Art History Majors examine visual art and design, archeological objects, and architecture within their historical and cultural contexts.  Students learn to interrogate and interpret the social, political, economic, religious, intellectual, and global environments that shaped the production of works of art and architecture.  They acquire essential skills of visual and technical analysis, research, and inventive problem-solving, and they learn to think, speak, and write critically about visual experiences, works of art, and design.

These skills prepare Art History Majors for jobs and graduate studies in Art History, Museum Studies, Historic Preservation, and Design, as well as a variety of careers in Law, Journalism, Art Conservation, Publishing, Travel and Tourism, Education, Library Science, and more. 

As an interdisciplinary field that draws from theology, history, sociology, philosophy, economics, literature, and the natural sciences, Art History offers students much more than professional training.  It provides a rich and rewarding appreciation for the historical past, the vibrant visual creativity of our global present, and the imaginative innovation of the future. 

Learning Outcomes: Art History Major

Students majoring in Art History will:

  1. Acquire a broad knowledge of art, architecture, and visual culture within various historical, social, and cultural contexts
  2. Identify and explain the forms, styles, materials, and experiences of visual art and the built environment using appropriate terminology
  3. Learn and implement art-historical research methods and theoretical approaches to the interpretation of art and architecture
  4. Demonstrate critical thinking when analyzing works of art and architecture and other primary sources, as well as the ability to express these ideas effectively in written, spoken, and oral form
  5. Appreciate and understand the creative, conceptual, and technical processes used by artists and architects from a diversity of traditions
  6. Acquire skills and engage in experiences that support advanced study and career preparation

Dance Major 

Studying dance develops creativity, teamwork, confidence, critical thinking, self-discipline, physical health and the ability to work collaboratively—all beneficial to any 21st-century career path and to one’s quality of life. Dance as a field supports a keen sense of body awareness, integrating physical and kinesthetic understanding with the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the human person. Our dance curriculum employs a liberal arts approach combined with rigorous technique-based training to produce versatile dancers, artists, and dance educators. Dance majors will be prepared to enter the professional world as dancers, choreographers, teachers, and leaders in the arts. Graduates will go on to be principal dancers and choreographers in professional companies, studio owners, artistic directors, and teachers at private studios, while others will pursue advanced degrees. 

Learning Outcomes: Dance Major 

Students majoring in Dance will:

  1. Acquire a broad knowledge of dance styles within various historical, social, and cultural contexts.
  2. Develop skills in dance performance and choreography. 
  3. Develop skills in analyzing dance pieces and expressing musical ideas in written and oral form.
  4. Demonstrate visual movement literacy—the ability to describe, recall, interpret, analyze, and critique choreographic works.
  5. Cultivate collaborative approaches to dance.
  6. Acquire skills and experiences that support advanced study and career preparation in the arts.

Music Major

Students majoring in music receive a thorough grounding in the theory, practice, and history of Western music, with ample opportunities to study and perform jazz, popular music, and global musical traditions. In addition to the music history and theory sequences, students: take four or more semesters of individual music lessons and/or music ensembles (College Choir or Chamber Music); complete an Immersive Experience requirement by studying abroad, composing, conducting, or completing and internship; and develop a thesis project in Senior Seminar. Recent senior theses have included lecture recitals, productions of musicals and operas, and performances of original musical works. While many of our graduates pursue careers as musicians, music educators, and music therapists, the study of music in a liberal arts environment provides excellent training for any field requiring creative problem solving, research, disciplined practice, and collaboration. For example, recent alumni have gone on to graduate programs in Urban Planning and Policy (Northeastern), International Relations and Business (University of Nottingham in Ningbo, China), and Theology (Notre Dame).

Learning Outcomes: Music Major

 Students majoring in Music will:

  1. Acquire a broad knowledge of a variety of music traditions throughout history
  2. Develop skills in analyzing musical works and expressing musical ideas in written and oral form
  3. Learn to situate musical works within an historical context
  4. Develop skills in musical performance and composition
  5. Cultivate knowledge of the creative and technical processes of musicians
  6. Engage in musicological research using appropriate methodologies
  7. Acquire skills and experiences that support advanced study and career preparation in the arts

Graphic Design Major

The dynamic field of Graphic Design is responsible for producing and enhancing the visual and textual media pervading almost every aspect of contemporary life, from news and magazines, packaging and branding of consumer goods and services, music, film, and books, social media, and more. Graphic Design students will be introduced to the tools, techniques, concepts, and vocabulary essential for building knowledge and skills within the discipline, as well as for developing a sharp sense of problem-solving, visual composition, and aesthetic strategies to be applied to a diverse array of design opportunities.

All Graphic Design students will create a professional portfolio during their junior year, complete an internship, and complete a senior capstone project and exhibition their senior year. 

Learning Outcomes: Graphic Design Major

Students majoring in Graphic Design will:

  1. Acquire a comprehensive understanding of visual language and principles  of design, aesthetic theory, and historical and contemporary design styles, strategies, and practices.
  2. Demonstrate innovative, creative, and iterative approaches to design problem-solving from idea to conception, to execution, and final presentation
  3. Develop skills and knowledge using industry-standard technologies, software, and media platforms in order to create effective and compelling graphic design projects across various output channels that meet real-world, end-user specifications. 
  4. Cultivate skills in synthesizing, analyzing, and evaluating design work within a collaborative context, as well as the ability to critically reflect upon, assess, and communicate one’s own work and ideas with accountability and informed choices.
  5. Prepare for professional workforce opportunities or graduate degree programs through real-world experiences and development of interdisciplinary, ethical, and socially responsible perspectives that facilitate understanding about the effects design has on human communication.

Studio Art Major

Learning Outcomes: Studio Art Major
  1. Acquire a comprehensive understanding of visual language and principles of artistic expression, aesthetic theory, and historical and contemporary fine art styles, strategies, and practices.
  2. Demonstrate innovative, creative, and iterative approaches to artistic expression from initial idea to final presentation.
  3. Develop skills and knowledge using a wide variety of artistic mediums, as well as digital platforms, in order to create compelling works of art. 
  4. Cultivate skills in creating, analyzing, and evaluating artworks, including the ability to critically reflect upon, assess, and communicate one’s own ideas with informed choices in their personal art practice.
  5. Acquire the conceptual skills and experiences for professional opportunities or graduate degree programs through the development of creative methodologies, technical ability and interdisciplinary perspectives that facilitate understanding the nuances of artistic expression.