Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts

On-site

Fine Arts students regularly use the city of Rome to hone their craft. On-site classes allow students first-hand interaction with the artists, movements, and techniques that they study in the classroom, and serve as the ideal model for sketching and painting practice.

What distinguishes this program?

Interdisciplinary

Beyond technical artistic skills, this program incorporates a range of disciplines including art history, conservation, and restoration. Numerous course components include written assignments through which students cultivate their skills in research, critical analysis, and writing.
As with all Bachelor degree programs taught at AUR, undergraduates are encouraged to complement their major with electives from other programs.

Rome as a resource

AUR’s Fine Art degree program uses the city of Rome to its full advantage. The first year class 'Roman Sketchbook' focuses specifically on the city as a subject, drawing from its landscapes, architecture, paintings, and sculptures. Other courses, whether historical or contemporary in their focus, frequently supplement classroom study and studio practice with visits to sites, art galleries, churches, and exhibitions in the city.

Critical thinking and intellectual excellence

Students learn to manage projects from conception to execution, exhibition to analysis, and in doing so they accumulate strong strategic planning skills. Group discussions and critiques are an intrinsic part of several courses, through which students learn to effectively communicate and defend their ideas.
Independent Study is an important component of this program. In this course, upper-level Fine Art majors examine historical periods, specialized topics, and single authors and work on specific material or projects not covered in regularly scheduled courses. The Independent Study component culminates in a research paper or project and a lecture that is presented to the public.

Career conscious

AUR's Bachelor of Fine Arts offers a course in Art Therapy, giving students an insight into the history and current practice of “art as a healing agent” and is a valuable experience for students who wish to pursue an art-related career.

Historical tradition and the contemporary global experience

Classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking are paired with the study of the related traditional canon and contemporary artists across the globe. As well as traditional techniques, students practice with more innovative and contemporary materials. Regular field trips take students beyond Rome to special exhibitions and visual arts events across Europe.