FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do the classes need to be taken in chronological order?
No, they may be taken in any order.

How often does each core course repeat throughout the year?
The core courses repeat cyclically, with two courses offered each semester (fall, winter, and spring), one during the day and one at night. Each core course is offered two semesters in a row, first during the day and then in the evening. For example, our daytime Medieval course this fall will be offered again at night starting in the winter. After that, it will be a full year and a half before the course is offered again.

Here is the tentative schedule:
Fall 2009: Medieval Art daytime; Ancient Art evening
Winter 2010: Renaissance Art daytime; Medieval Art evening
Spring 2010: 18th/19th Century Art daytime; Renaissance Art evening
Fall 2010: Modern Art daytime; 18th/19th Century Art evening
Winter 2011: Ancient Art daytime; Modern Art evening
Spring 2011: Medieval Art daytime; Ancient Art evening

Are the core courses always the same?
Yes, the content/structure of the core courses for the most part stays the same. There is a possibility that in the future, the evening core courses will be only four sessions instead of six, with each session being 2 ½ hours instead of 1 ½ hours. But the course content will stay the same. The electives, however, vary. We offer many electives throughout the year on a variety of art-related topics. The electives are labeled in our Associate catalogue and may also be accessed by clicking the Electives link at the bottom of this page.

Are the courses taught by the same instructor?
We do use the same instructors for many of the core courses, but the courses will not always be taught by the same person. Particularly the daytime/evening versions of each core course may have different instructors.

Do I need to sign up for the Certificate Program before taking the courses?
We encourage people to email us and request to enroll in the certificate program, so that we know you are taking the courses/electives and are hoping to earn a certificate. We’d like you to sign up as soon as you start taking the courses, but it doesn’t have to be before starting a course. You can email us after your first or second course, if you prefer.

How do I enroll? Is there a fee?
To enroll in the Certificate Program, just send an email to: Artcertificate@si.edu. It would be helpful to include your full name, contact information, and Member ID number in the email. We will then add your name to our database of enrollees.

How do I know when I have completed all of the requirements? Must I keep track?
Yes, you should keep track of what courses/electives you have taken. You must take four or five of the core courses plus three or four electives (although please note that some electives are considered ½ credit electives), for a total of 8 programs/credits. Once you have taken all of the necessary requirements, please call or email us and we will verify. Then we will issue your certificate. If you have any questions as you are taking courses, about what you have taken or still need to take, please contact us and we will be happy to help you.