Goals and How to Reach Them: The Pyramid Theory

Instead of looking at what types of classes I like and (fingers crossed) molding them in to a job post-graduation, I am going to categorize by the end result (top goal/job/personality trait) and what types of requirements or preparations I need to reach that goal. Of course there are problems with this (since I am close to halfway up several of these pyramids, and can only hazily see what I need to complete the rest) but at least it should help me outline beneficial classes for the rest of my Brown career, and help me focus my studies, jobs, and extra curricular responsibilities. How scientific of me!

I’m breaking my potential, budding personality, in to 4 categories: 1. The Preservationist 2. The Creator 3. The Academic Rockstar 4. The Lawyer. Some are more abstract than others, but here are the general details, and classes that are beneficial for all:

1. The Preservationist: future job in art conservation or restoration either in a museum or privately owned company, needs a 3-4 year master degree in specific medium of art conservation (sculpture, painting, photography, etc) and undergraduate science/chemistry experience. Potential Programs: 3.5 year program at NYU in conjunction with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 3 year program at University of Delaware (cheaper, probably).

+ Classes +

Introductory Chemistry/ Organic Chemistry/ Inorganic Chemistry

French 40/50/60

Printmaking at RISD

Florentine and Tuscany Art/ Flemish Art

+ Job +

Something at List Art Slide Library or in conservation of books/donations at the Rock

The Creator: future job in web design, advertising, or electronic writing (blogs, fashion, news), double major in art history and literary arts or art history BA with capstone Literary Arts, highly skilled in programming, computers, animation, film, arts, graffiti. No significant need for graduate-level education, unless it was an MFA program.

+ Classes +

French 40/50/60

Intro to Animation

Cinematic Imaginations of Time: MCM Film Theory Class (in preparation for video production in the spring)

Art and Utopia in the 1960’s (upper level art history seminar)

5th class: Linguistic Theory/ Literary Theory class

**for the future: electronic writing/literary theory classes

+ Job +

Volunteering at the Children’s Museum, working for blogs

The Academic Rockstar: BA in art history, MA in public humanities in 5 year program, future work in administration/curatorial work at museum or public arts initiative, teaching and writing books on art presentation and exhibitions.

+ Classes +

French 40/50/60

Art and Utopia in the 1960’s

Intro to Public Humanities

not sure of 4th class. Probably another american civilization/anthropology course, maybe an MCM course. Something on material cultures. See: ANTH 1621: Material Culture

+ Job +

curatorial work at the Children’s Museum, volunteer work there or at List exhibitions

The Lawyer: finish out a BA in art history at Brown, go to the 2-3 year Sotheby’s Education Program in London in Art Business, work at an auction house or in art law and valuation in NYC or London (potential for international work).

+ Classes +

Introductory Principles of Economics

French 40/50/60

Florentine and Tuscany Art in the 15th Century/ Flemish Art

some anthropology/MCM/american civilization class in material culture, like ANTH 1621: Material Culture

**for future reference: independent research project in art law and valuation

+ Job +

working in conservation at the Library, or at exhibits at the Children’s Museum or List Art Gallery.

Well it’s nice to get that typed out…now I just need to figure out what to do with the rest of my life.