Art history classes are required for all SCAD students, and at first glance, it can seem a bit overwhelming. There are artists to learn, paintings to understand, dates to memorize and time periods to know. While art history seems like one of the most daunting tasks for many SCAD students, these tips can help you succeed in this area of foundation studies.
1. Try flashcards.
Flashcards are a must, particularly for visual learners. Since there’s a lot of information to cover in a short amount of time, flashcards can be very helpful when needing to learn facts quickly. It’s a convenient way to study independently or with a group. Art history is very visual, so you can use the images you have to know as one side of the flashcard and write down all the facts on the back.
2. When exam time rolls around, learn the information step by step.
It’s overwhelming to try and learn all the facts about different paintings all at once, so break it down. Try to avoid cramming and instead make a study plan that starts a few days before the exam. One day familiarize yourself with the title and artist of a piece. The next day add the dates. Then learn the art period. It’s all about building on to your knowledge bit by bit so your brain doesn’t explode.
3. Take detailed notes in class.
Bring a notebook or laptop to class and follow along with the professor’s lecture by taking notes on key points. Find a way to organize your notes that works for you, whether it’s color-coding if you’re writing by hand or bolding words and underlining if you’re using a computer. This will make it easier to find specific information when you’re studying and it will help keep everything together in your mind. Review your notes leading up to the exam day and make sure to set aside questions you may have for your professor.
4. Attend extra study sessions if your professor offers them.
This is a great time to brush up on all the information that could appear on the exam, and it’s also a great time to ask any questions about the material that you may have. You can even keep a list going of major questions you encounter while studying and bring it along to the session. Whether you attend the session or not, make sure that you’re clear about the format of the exam and the material that will be on it.
5. Reach out to your professor if you feel like you’re in need of additional resources.
Your professor can point you in the direction of online study tools and websites that they’ve found helpful for students in the past. You can even check out the SCAD Atlanta Tutoring Center, which offers free tutoring for SCAD students.
