I've started hounding a range of History of Art students to give their experiences of studying and living in York. First up to face the questions is Alison. She's a third year undergraduate. Here's what she had to say...
EI: You studied the Art Law module last term. This is a new module from the department, in collaboration with the Law Department. Tell me a bit about it; firstly, why did you choose it, and also how did you find it differed from regular HoA modules you have completed?
AC:Â Choosing to do the Art Law module was originally born out of seeing it would be relevant to an Art Appraisal MA in London that I was thinking of doing. It was a really interesting module, as we got to cover a lot of the basics of Law whilst also thinking critically about how legal issues may affect the production or selling of art, as well as a whole host of other issues that arise within art practice. One thing that was refreshing about this module was that it was pretty much taken entirely out of the art history perspective, obviously there are massive links (clue's in the name!), but it was nice having your mind tested in an alternative way to how we usually look at things in History of Art; there were definite differences with how the Law students approached subjects compared to how an Art History student might view the same thing.
EI: What has been your most memorable âeurekaâ moment in a seminar/during your readings/in lectures?
AC:Â Maybe getting to grips with a module isn't exactly a 'eureka' moment but the progressive illumination from doing Helen Hills' 'Critical Approaches to the Baroque' module in second year was a wonderful feeling. I absolutely loved the module as it was so immersive and interesting. However, it was definitely the hardest module I've done, but the amount I could tell I had improved as an art historian by doing her module was certainly one of the best things to come out of my degree!
EI:Â Favourite place to go out in York?
AC:Â The best place to go out in York is probably Evil Eye, great for incredibly potent cocktails, which are also the most delicious things on earth (just don't get the one with 6 shots of gin in and then proceed to pretty much down it). However, I absolutely adore House of Trembling Madness for all that good ale, and amazing hearty food! It's great there because if they haven't quite got what you want in the actual pub area, if you go into the shop you can buy anything down there and drink it upstairs!Â
EI:Â Are you involved in any extra curricular activities at York?
AC:Â I am involved with Women's Committee, which is a lovely lovely thing to be involved in, I'm actually the secretary, which is a great role! I definitely recommend anyone getting involved as much as they can, because it's really wonderful to feel like you're part of something that's promoting change. I also like to go along to the Swing Soc classes, I've always loved dancing and learning to swing dance has literally been a dream of mine since I was around 10!
EI: Finally, any advice for potential uni candidates?
AC: I'm not sure what advice I could give about applying to university other than just make sure you've got your application in in plenty of time, then the pressure will be off you when you're trying to study for your A-Levels or other qualifications that will actually get you in to university! If you've got a place at a university and you're terrified about first year - don't be - (let's pretend I'm not imparting this little bit of advice) you literally only have to pass to continue your studies - don't put too much pressure on yourself to get firsts all the time, which is definitely what I did. However, make sure you work as much as you can because that's how you'll make the most of your time here. Applying to university is possibly one of the most defining things someone can do. This is probably not all too reassuring. However, the experience, the friends you make, what you will learn are just some of the most rewarding things that I think can happen to any individual. I know the things I've achieved here, what I've learnt and how I've grown as a person will be things I carry with me for the rest of my life.
