ALEX KUETER / ASST. OPINION EDITOR

USD offers a variety of artistic and art history classes that are available to all students, to fulfill the Core artistic inquiry. Love it or hate it, the core is an integral part of the culture at USD and a requirement for graduating on time. As part of our liberal arts education, students must take a variety of classes in subjects like humanities, religion and STEM. This helps to ensure a well-rounded education for all students, especially in areas outside their discipline. One requirement that often gets neglected is the artistic inquiry requirement. While this can often be forgotten until senior year or waived with external classes, this requirement is one of the more engaging and diverse ways to be connected to the USD curriculum. Some may think the only way to fulfill this is by taking a traditional art class like painting or drawing, which sounds intimidating. However there are a multitude of classes that will fulfill the requirement and even help you learn other skills, such as public speaking and artistic design. 

My personal favorite class that will fulfill the artistic inquiry Fundamentals of Acting, or THEA 110. In this class you will learn what it takes to be an actor or actress, and work with other students to put on short performances in class. While this may seem intimidating, it’s a great opportunity to improve both your public speaking and collaboration skills. You really get to know the people in your class so performing is not as scary as it seems. After I took the class, I felt much more confident not just speaking in public, but doing presentations and networking with others in my field. As a biology major, learning to be a better speaker and communicator has been incredibly helpful in my professional life, and I’d highly recommend anyone to take the course. 

Introduction to Graphic Design or ARTV 103 is another option for those who have an interest in digital art and may want to know more about working in social media. In the class, students  learn how to design images in Photoshop and InDesign, as well as the history of design and common “rules” artists employ to make eye-catching visuals. This includes topics such as  typography, visual contrast and styles that are helpful for graphics. While this class is the most similar to a traditional drawing class where you create a physical piece, you don’t need to have as much natural drawing and sketching talent, and it may be easier to learn without years of prior practice. And, in the age of social media being able to whip up quick visuals is an invaluable skill. 

A great option, especially for students going abroad, is art history courses. The USD Madrid Center offers a class called Art at el Prado Museum (ARTH 376). This class is based around the Prado Museum in Madrid where class is typically held. Students learn about the artists of famous works within the museum’s collection, as well as their process and stylistic choices. This is a great way to fulfill  the requirement if you are less of a hands-on learner, and want to learn while immersed within another culture. USD also offers art history classes in San Diego, and many other abroad programs have art history classes that transfer credits. Learning about art and the artistic process is not only helpful in furthering one’s own understanding of art, but also furthers one’s appreciation and analysis for future works one may  encounter. An appreciation for art is a rare but valuable skill, but one that is helpful when traveling and learning about different cultures. 

In our hustle and bustle culture, it’s often frustrating to feel like we are wasting time. It’s something I even feel within USD, that taking classes outside my major is a waste of time or pointless. But the art requirement is a fun way to explore interests outside your major and comfort zone while building skills in the process. It may seem silly to spend credits taking an acting or design class, but it can help you with so many skills that you will need in the future. The arts requirement is often overlooked or rushed, but I’d encourage you to really look into the options offered in a semester and pick one that pushes you out of your comfort zone. This can allow you to develop new artistic skills and become a well-rounded person as the core curriculum intended. 

USD’s art courses can provide valuable learning opportunities to students, no matter their major. Alissa Abramovich/The USD Vista

 The views expressed in the editorial and op-ed sections are not necessarily those of  The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego, or its student body.