The Liberal Studies Department launches the third PCA/Terra Undergraduate Research Program

In Spring 2016, the Liberal Studies Department started a collaboration with the Terra Foundation for American Art on a new research program devoted to undergraduate students.

Every semester (Fall and Spring), PCA Liberal Studies Department Head Barbara Montefalcone, along with members of the faculty, will select a group of 3 outstanding PCA students across departments and will offer them the opportunity to take part in a unique research program based on the Collection of the Terra Foundation for American Art Library. The project will culminate in a public presentation at the Terra Foundation Center in Paris. Learn more about the first session, held in spring 2016

The group of selected students will have the opportunity to work as a team and conduct high level research on a specific topic related to American Art. They will have free access to the Terra Library Collection and will follow a one-session training with a librarian who will present the collection and the research facilities available at the Terra Foundation. They will then conduct their research independently and under the supervision of the Liberal Studies Chair, and present their findings in English to an audience of art history students coming from several French Universities. (The partner University for the Spring 2017 session is Université Paris Ouest Nanterre-La Defense).

The PCA/Terra Undergraduate Research Program is suited for all students interested in the history of art and, particularly for those interested in American art. It is an opportunity to work closely with the Terra Library’s wonderful collection of books, have a first major experience within the academic research world, and improve one’s research, writing and presentation skills. The final workshop and presentation will also be an occasion to meet peers from French universities and compare study and research methodologies in an international and interdisciplinary context.

This term the selected students are Anahelena Arevalo and Madeline Hickey. They will work under the supervision of Art History Instructor Diane Quinby and deliver a presentation on April 7, 2017 at 2 pm at the Terra Foundation for American Art Center in Paris; learn more about it. Their presentation will relate the history of American art to the chosen theme for the spring 2017 session: “Nature”.

Participating as auditors is possible this term! if you are interested please get in touch with Barbara Montefalcone to reserve your seat.