how are arts and humanities at sc?

Tom_Holsinger_1
Wed, 03 Aug 2005 13:29:55 +0000

Performing and visual arts are outstanding. Literature is as bad as it gets. If you really want to be a Literature major, go someplace else.

I have a daughter at UCSC now who just switched from Literature to Psychology, and a son who graduated in June. My daughter was shocked at my reply when she asked my opinion of her change of major - I told her I’d have been very surprised if she had stuck with Lit given that UCSC’s program was so bad. She asked why I hadn’t warned her, and I replied that she wouldn’t have believed me (she’s stubborn) - that only her personal experience would convince her.

My son’s comment was that the lower division Lit classes, particularly the introductory one required of all Lit majors, are notoriously bad and that even die-hard Lit majors hate them.

Visual arts is first-rate. Only UCLA is better in that regard, though Irvine and San Diego are comparable to UCSC’s program.

Humanities overall suck, save for the arts in general, and the performing/visual arts in particular. UCSC has had the best undergraduate performing arts program of any UC campus for many, many years. Its visual arts program is improving fast, but I expect UCLA will retain its lead due to proximity to Hollywood.