Columbia College Core · Columbia University
Weekly readings; two papers (a visual/technical breakdown of an artwork of your choice and an analysis of artwork in modern popular culture); a ~10m group presentation to the class about a particular artwork; final project was a create your own art exhibit, basically just another essay. Not that much work, honestly.
There are a couple of readings and assignments. The professor barely instructs on these assignments in class, you are expected to go to her office hours (of which there is like 2 hours a week) and ask for information.
Prof Merkin is well spoken and knowledgeable. Despite not being in the humanities, I still learned a ton and the class content was super interesting. Covered a wide variety of artistic time periods and prominent artists/artworks in each one (I personally enjoyed the breadth over depth approach). Her essay instructions are somewhat vague which lead to her docking off points for things I never knew I needed to consider. Not really the easiest grader. She was always available/happy to meet with me about my work or answer my questions, though, and I can appreciate that receptiveness. Overall, it was a solid class and I learned a lot, but I wish she wasn't so picky with the grading since this is just a Core class. I sometimes felt like I was being graded as an art history major.
The professor does not enjoy what she is teaching to class. The professor does not attempt to create a dialogue between the students. The lessons are just information dumps.
Light workload- small object presentation (you choose a discuss an artwork); 2-3 annotation assignments; 1 visual analysis essay; 1 longer essay discussing pop culture and art; Final Project & Presentation; no final exam
Merkin was a WONDERFUL professor!! This was genuinely one of my favorite classes. Most days are lectures on various artists and artworks with small class discussions throughout (specifically we’d often do class analyses on certain artworks). Merkin was always very respectful and attentive, and did her best to let everybody talk. She never cold calls, which I find nice, but she also gives plenty of opportunity for you to fulfill the participation part of your grade. She’s also super understanding and will always be up to meet with students or answer any questions about assignments. There are about 3 outside-of-class field trips to museums (but if you have conflicts she’ll give you a make-up), and we had a studio session in class where we got to do print making! Try not to be late to her class tho, that’s the only thing she has issues with. Overall, I found her to be a really amazing teacher and I really recommend her to anyone needing to take Art Hum!
Reasonable workload but some readings are long and boring.
Does not really leave freedom for dialogue in class. Seems super nice until you are always 1% away from an A. Comments are passive aggressive and she did not specify what she wants in her assignment. Avoid if you don't want to P/D/F your grade.