I’m asking you a question! While I will probably not major in Art History, it is definitely a topic that interests me. What classes would you recommend taking for someone who just wants to learn more about the subject but doesn’t necessarily want to pursue it as a career? Also, does an art history class satisfy history requirements for other majors (such as International Studies?)

Dear Joseph,

Thank you so much!! If I hadn’t asked you I probably just would have signed up for the intro class. It’s good to know there are other options.

Camilla

Hey Ruthie—thanks for checking out the Forums and for a great question!

I'm going to put my jealousy over the fact that you go to an arts high school aside and tell you that, yes(!), there's a good amount of interdisciplinary learning taking place at Hopkins, more in certain departments than others, in my opinion. I'd assume that in courses like Introduction to Fiction and Poetry (assuming that your interest is in writing), you'll find a lot of interdisciplinary learning just because writing crosses so many disciplines in its very nature. As a Museums & Society minor, I've personally encountered a lot of interdisciplinary coursework because the minor, which ultimately thinks about the shaping of thought and identity through cultural institutions, draws in students from a variety of backgrounds. For example, I'm in a Museums course now where we're curating an exhibition of a contemporary Turkish photographer's works at the Smithsonian's Freer and Sackler Galleries (an awesome experience in and of itself). My group, charged with developing a curatorial theme, only benefitted from the range of intellect which each of us brought to the table, ranging from international studies to history to contemporary art theory. Hopkins also offers courses through its Humanities Center, courses which approach the humanities at large and therefore draw in, again, students from all different backgrounds. It's definitely possible within the School of Arts & Sciences (which I assume you'll be in) to find a large amount opportunities to learn in an interdisciplinary setting!   

Outside of the classroom, there are likewise many opportunities to get involved in interdisciplinary projects. Personally, I'm working with other Museums students to create a museum studies journal at Hopkins which will call upon the diverse experience of all students to present a holistic view of museum activities and issues. Here's a link to some of the student-run journals on-campus, and of course, one could always start a new journal that fits their interests, just as I'm doing with my peers.

Hopefully this answers your question at large, but if you have any more specific questions pertaining to this or anything else, please don't hesitate to ask — again, great question!