STAFF EDITORIAL: Art for Art's Sake

Columbia College prides itself on the Core Curriculum. The Core asks students to take courses that, in many cases, they may not otherwise choose. Students thus graduate from the College with a broad, shared academic background in the studies of art, music, science, foreign languages and cultures, and the humanities. The College makes exceptions for students to test out of the languages and Music Humanities, and should offer an Art Humanities exemption exam as well.

Students proficient in a foreign language have the option of taking an exemption exam. Similarly, students with an adequate background in music can test out of Music Humanities; roughly 50 percent of the 60-odd students who take the music exemption test each year pass. A similar exam for Art Humanities is an important option. Some students arrive at Columbia with high marks in AP Art History or with an otherwise considerable exposure to the arts, and should be exempt from the course.

Art Humanities is a useful course because it provides a general introduction to art history and art criticism and teaches students to consider art in new ways. The limited class size generates a healthy discussion atmosphere. Unfortunately, as a small and required course, the class size puts an undue strain on the Art History department--especially given the recent enlargement of the College. Allowing some students to test out of the course would ease the pressures that the department faces.

More importantly, the exemption option would eliminate what is an unnecessary inconvenience for some students. It is difficult for students to fulfill the Core's extensive requirements while pursuing such undertakings as study abroad, multiple majors or concentrations, internships, and extracurricular activities. Those who have no need for the basic Art Humanities instruction should not spend their time taking the course.

Though the Core experience is crucial, there are other aspects of college life that deserve priority. If a student is qualified to test out of Art Humanities, he or she should have the option.