Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Bénard,

I am appealing the Faculty¿¿s decision to not formally accept me into ARTH 451 (Fall 2014)

My name is Isabel Cox and I am an English Literature major and Art History minor. I am submitting an appeal in hopes to be enrolled in ARTH 451 (Fall, 2014). Even though it was highly unlikely that an enrollment slot would appear, Dr. Bailey, the instructor of ARTH 451, has graciously granted me permission to audit the course. Fortunately, an enrollment slot did appear; however, this opening did not become available until two days after the final add/drop date.

I feel as though the circumstances of this appeal are quite unique. Dr. Bailey granted me permission to audit this course on the condition that I complete the readings in order to actively contribute to discussions. Thus, I have been fulfilling the responsibilities of a formally enrolled student, yet not receiving a mark for my efforts. In fact, by October 27, I will have fulfilled 40 of my potential grade.

I have returned to Queen¿¿s University for a fifth year in order to expand upon my understanding of the study of art history, in hopes to pursue it at the graduate level next fall. A significant factor in my decision to return was to participate in the collective learning environment of an art history seminar.

As I plan to pursue art history at the graduate level next fall, I hope to be granted enrollment in ARTH 451 Caravaggio and Artemisia. I fully intend to focus my future studies in art history within the Baroque period. As a crucial figure of the Baroque, an understanding of the characteristic features that culminate in the work of Caravaggio, which would inspire a great number of followers adopting the Caravaggesque style, would be fundamental to my success in my desired academic route.

Enrollment in ARTH 451 would not only be a great tool for my future academic plans, but I believe that my background in English literature has the potential to further diversify the classroom aesthetic and perhaps elicit different perspectives surrounding the selected coursework. I believe that diversity in the classroom can broaden and enhance our understanding of the works of Caravaggio and his followers, and by extension what constitutes the ¿¿Baroque¿. Thank you for taking the time to consider my appeal.

Sincerely,

Isabel Cox (06294981)