The Arts Scholar Program helps students connect the creation and performance of art with its academic study. The program helps students cultivate the habits of creative and imaginative thinking that are crucial in the modern world. It also provides a structure for community engagement.
Who is an Arts Scholar?
- passionate about the arts — visual, literary, and performing
- values creativity and imagination
- seeks multiple perspectives gained through the arts of cultures from around the world
- engaged with the broader arts community
Coursework Requirements
- Freshman Arts (graduation requirement) Coursework:
- Introduction to Visual and Performing Arts OR
- Art Foundations OR
- Dance Company OR
- Ensemble OR
- Women's Chorale
- 4 credits in English (graduation requirement)
- Specialization in one artistic discipline — elective credits in 10th, 11th, and 12th grade:
- 3 credits in Dance OR
- 2 credits in English OR
- 3 credits in Instrumental Music OR
- 3 credits in Visual Arts OR
- 3 credits in Vocal Music
- 1 additional elective arts credit outside of area of specialization. [Note: all elective courses in the Department of English and the Arts can be used to fulfill this requirement. Courses from other disciplines will be considered on an individual basis.]
- Students must take at least one AP course in the Arts. Current offerings are: AP Art History, AP English Language, AP English Literature, and AP Studio Art.
- Students must maintain 3.6 GPA.
Scope of the Term "Arts"
The Arts Scholar Program is meant to embrace all forms of human creative achievement and encompasses a broad variety of artistic disciplines including, but not limited to: Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Graphic Design, Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Music Theory, Composition, Art of Dance, Dance Performance, Dance Choreography, Theatre Performance, Dramaturgy, Set and Costume Design, Film, Journalism, and Publishing.
Cultural Experiences: Completion of at least three cultural experiences in the arts. Each experience requires prior approval from Dr. Califf and Mrs. Pam Devenney. Arts experiences include:
- Attending a live performance: play, musical, concert, recital, etc.
- Visiting an art museum.
- Leadership and/or active participation in an arts organization.
- Volunteering/service with local arts organizations.
Academic Experiences: Participation in a minimum of three academic events in the arts, e.g. lectures, conferences, workshops.
Publication and Performance: Each Arts Scholar is expected to participate in at least one Notre Dame co-curricular activity that involves publication or performance of creative work. This activity should be sustained throughout the student’s high school career.
- Suggested activities for literary arts: school newspaper, school literary magazine, ND Theater, Shakespeare competition
- Suggested activities for visual arts: school newspaper (photography), school literary magazine (which also publishes student art), ND Theater (assistance with set design, costume design, program design)
- Suggested activities for performing arts: ND Theater (cast or pit), Liturgical Music
Career Exploration and Senior Research Project: Notre Dame’s senior year Career Exploration Program must be completed at an arts organization. The Senior Research Project assigned in 12th grade English class must focus on an arts-oriented topic. Both must be approved by the program coordinators.
Progress Meetings: Scholars must meet with the program coordinators once in Freshman year, twice in Sophomore and Junior years, and quarterly in Senior year. The student is responsible for scheduling such meetings, which are held to discuss progress made toward completing requirements.
Portfolio: Completion and presentation of an arts portfolio. This portfolio will include examples of the student’s original creative work as well as reflections on all aspects of the scholar program (coursework, experiences, events, etc.).
Prompts for reflections will be provided on program site. Each senior will present her portfolio to one or more faculty members in her area of specialization. Faculty, staff, administration, parents, and student peers will also be invited.
For a detailed review of Program Requirements, please click here.
