4 answers
Hunter
Student
Grove City
5
Questions
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Collage majors
If I double majored in architecture and American history and Minor in political science would that be the best?
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4 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1183
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Hunter !
I must say that I am wonderfully impressed with the course of studies that you are considering ! Sounds exciting and very interesting, not to mention useful, too !
My suggestion would be to do the double major in Architecture and History ! What a fantastic combination this is ! I would say to not worry about a minor because a double major will be keeping you actively busy with written, oral presentations and projects that have a deadline. In this case, you should take a few Political Science courses that even may end up fulfilling requirements for your degree. Within your Architecture study, you will learn everything you need to know technically, design and guidelines around what you design. The study of History will give you the edge to be familiar with different eras, what was happening in various countries in different time periods and what influenced the style of architecture during those times.
It helped me a great deal as a Theatre major in acting to take a lot of history courses, to become familiar with the tone and behaviors of various time periods. I learned so much by taking history courses that had an emphasis on theatre, philosophy, American history, women in American history, ethnic film and ethnic theatre and the history of the American Character in Culture. This greatly benefitted me with the knowledge to authentically portray different characters. I did take political science only because it was required in order to get the degree. So, yes, definitely blend history with architecture but concerning yourself with a minor may be a bit of an overload. The final choice is up to you, however.
No one can say what's best for you except you. Ask opinions from people you know, teachers that you have now and academic advisors at the college you plan to attend. Always remember that we at Career Village are always happy to provide advice for you too !
Best wishes to you in whatever you choose !
I must say that I am wonderfully impressed with the course of studies that you are considering ! Sounds exciting and very interesting, not to mention useful, too !
My suggestion would be to do the double major in Architecture and History ! What a fantastic combination this is ! I would say to not worry about a minor because a double major will be keeping you actively busy with written, oral presentations and projects that have a deadline. In this case, you should take a few Political Science courses that even may end up fulfilling requirements for your degree. Within your Architecture study, you will learn everything you need to know technically, design and guidelines around what you design. The study of History will give you the edge to be familiar with different eras, what was happening in various countries in different time periods and what influenced the style of architecture during those times.
It helped me a great deal as a Theatre major in acting to take a lot of history courses, to become familiar with the tone and behaviors of various time periods. I learned so much by taking history courses that had an emphasis on theatre, philosophy, American history, women in American history, ethnic film and ethnic theatre and the history of the American Character in Culture. This greatly benefitted me with the knowledge to authentically portray different characters. I did take political science only because it was required in order to get the degree. So, yes, definitely blend history with architecture but concerning yourself with a minor may be a bit of an overload. The final choice is up to you, however.
No one can say what's best for you except you. Ask opinions from people you know, teachers that you have now and academic advisors at the college you plan to attend. Always remember that we at Career Village are always happy to provide advice for you too !
Best wishes to you in whatever you choose !
Thank for that information. I really appreciate it. But I feel like that double major of architectural and American history prepare me for my masters degree in Historical restoration. My goal is to become a historical restoration architect.
Hunter
Yes, Hunter, I agree ! That is a very cool career you are going to have. Keep up the good work and best wishes to you !
Michelle M.
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
202
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Your program of study sounds exciting to me, too, Hunter. It makes sense to me if you are interested in historical restoration.
Michelle gave you comprehensive and helpful advice. I would add only that Architecture is commonly a very time-intensive major because of the time to prepare drawings. This was true when I was in college and when my children were, even with the advanced technology. So I agree with Michelle that trying for a double major and minor might be too ambitious.
Also, historical sites often need help with upkeep or restoration of their properties. This would be terrific experience to gain as well as a terrific way to expand your network in the field. Having a normal course load - versus a consistently large one to fit in all required courses - would give you time for this type of activity.
Good luck!
Michelle gave you comprehensive and helpful advice. I would add only that Architecture is commonly a very time-intensive major because of the time to prepare drawings. This was true when I was in college and when my children were, even with the advanced technology. So I agree with Michelle that trying for a double major and minor might be too ambitious.
Also, historical sites often need help with upkeep or restoration of their properties. This would be terrific experience to gain as well as a terrific way to expand your network in the field. Having a normal course load - versus a consistently large one to fit in all required courses - would give you time for this type of activity.
Good luck!
Nathaniel Wander
anthropology/psychotherapy/writing
35
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Nathaniel’s Answer
You put a tough question to answer without knowing your age or experience with any of the subjects. While your ambition sounds laudable, I have to question your assessment of what is within your grasp. By letting your reach exceed it to a measured amount, you can both stretch yourself, and learn your limits. If you overdo it, all you come up with are strained muscles and a fistful of air.
I can think of at least two reasons for not setting yourself a rigid program before you even arrive at university. On the one hand, you might stumble on a subject or two you’ve never thought about, and that might take you in directions you’ve never imagined. If you lock yourself into an overflowing schedule even before you start, you’ll never have the chance to explore.
In the second instance, a college education is much more than swatting up a major, or two, or three. It’s also about learning who you are, and who you are in relation to others. If all you allow for yourself are classes, study sessions and exams, where’s the room for sport, theater, friends? At 75, and having travelled the world for study, work, research and plain adventure, my closest friends are people I befriended and who befriended me 55 years ago in college.
I knew my subject long before I got to college—I’d been studying anthropology since I was 13, and eventually went on to acquire a PhD in it. But, I have no regrets about all the sloping around I did in college, including trying out other majors: it’s what made me the person I am today. I didn’t really acquire my professional gloss until graduate school, until I began arguing with my peers at a high level, until I began teaching others, until I began practicing the work I was training for in the real world.
In short, what’s the hurry?
I can think of at least two reasons for not setting yourself a rigid program before you even arrive at university. On the one hand, you might stumble on a subject or two you’ve never thought about, and that might take you in directions you’ve never imagined. If you lock yourself into an overflowing schedule even before you start, you’ll never have the chance to explore.
In the second instance, a college education is much more than swatting up a major, or two, or three. It’s also about learning who you are, and who you are in relation to others. If all you allow for yourself are classes, study sessions and exams, where’s the room for sport, theater, friends? At 75, and having travelled the world for study, work, research and plain adventure, my closest friends are people I befriended and who befriended me 55 years ago in college.
I knew my subject long before I got to college—I’d been studying anthropology since I was 13, and eventually went on to acquire a PhD in it. But, I have no regrets about all the sloping around I did in college, including trying out other majors: it’s what made me the person I am today. I didn’t really acquire my professional gloss until graduate school, until I began arguing with my peers at a high level, until I began teaching others, until I began practicing the work I was training for in the real world.
In short, what’s the hurry?
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
57
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
What an interesting question.
As usual, I have read the answers of others.
But this time I'm going alone.
First, it would be helpful to know more about your background. Without more detail, it makes answering your query more difficult. As in why did you bring up Political Science? (This is only for future reference when you query others for whatever reason.) What does Poly Sci have to do with all this?
I'm delighted with your interest in architecture. It is not my discipline, but I've always had an interest in the field. Ever since I met Frank Lloyd Wright. (On a third grade trip to Talisen East; he shock everyone's hand as we got off the bus. I never got over it.) And where did your interest come from?
I minored in history and have always been interested in it. Taught modern European history for a decade. But I'm wondering: why United States history? If you are combining architecture and history, you're leaving a lot out, At least in a general sense. There are some very basic architectural things out there. As in Roman Arch. And on and on.
For what it's worth.
As usual, I have read the answers of others.
But this time I'm going alone.
First, it would be helpful to know more about your background. Without more detail, it makes answering your query more difficult. As in why did you bring up Political Science? (This is only for future reference when you query others for whatever reason.) What does Poly Sci have to do with all this?
I'm delighted with your interest in architecture. It is not my discipline, but I've always had an interest in the field. Ever since I met Frank Lloyd Wright. (On a third grade trip to Talisen East; he shock everyone's hand as we got off the bus. I never got over it.) And where did your interest come from?
I minored in history and have always been interested in it. Taught modern European history for a decade. But I'm wondering: why United States history? If you are combining architecture and history, you're leaving a lot out, At least in a general sense. There are some very basic architectural things out there. As in Roman Arch. And on and on.
For what it's worth.