I'm thinking of taking a 3rd year art history course. I've only ever taken science courses. Any advice as to how difficult this may be for me? I would be taking this as a bird course to lighten my load from a heavy semester.

I'm sorry, but this could potentially be a horrible idea. If you have not branched outside of science courses and would like a "bird" course, a third year art history course is extremely problematic for several reasons. First of all, you might have difficulties writing third year level essay in the humanities if you are a science student. This puts you at a disadvantage. Secondly, the others in the class will most likely be familiar with terminology and artists that you may have never had the opportunity to learn about previously in your courses.

Like any program, art history is not a cake walk. Maybe try taking a first year class as an elective opposed to a third year course. As an art history student myself, I would never take a third year science class as an elective. It would be completely out of my element, and probably bring my average down.

Good luck though..

Additionally, this course will not "lighten your load"... to keep up with art history courses, expect to be reading an extremely large amount of course material and journal articles. The readings are dense for upper year humanities courses.

OMG don't do it!! art history is very difficult to keep up with if you have no experience with art. my friend tried to warn me when i took one, i didn't listen and did terribly. i agree with the post that suggests a 1st year elective.