<p>Mackinaw, do you mind PMing me the article as well? Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>I am a freshman at Amherst College, prospective English and Fine Arts major. I’m not yet at the point where I’m dealing with the Career Center much, but I can see a weakness in academic advising here. </p>
<p>My advisor is an English prof, so he doesn’t know much about art. When I asked the art professor I had first semester on what classes I should be taking next, he just said, “Take whatever you want.” While it’s nice to have an open curriculum and have professors trust in your ability, I feel stymied in not knowing how to plot out my courses. </p>
<p>Also, Amherst doesn’t offer art courses in a logical sequential order. Basic Drawing is offered 1st semester, but its logical (to me, anyway) followup courses–Drawing II or Painting I–aren’t offered second semester. Currently I’m registered for Painting II, but it’s a little awkward knowing that my classmates will all be juniors/seniors and that there’s not much left to go after Painting II, if I want to continue painting.</p>
<p>My RC has done a semester “abroad” at RISD, and says it was a good experience. I hope to do the same, perhaps in the fall of junior year. </p>
<p>Mostly, I want to do illustration, for children’s books or magazines, while having a broad art background and some specialization in painting. Does anyone have any suggestions, as to course selection or supplementary programs or anything like that? It’d be much appreciated.</p>