AP Art History flourishes under Dr. Lavine’s tutelage
by Jackson Joffe '18
Advanced Placement art teacher known for challenging students to retire. This article appears courtesy of The Peabody Press.
Advanced Placement art teacher known for challenging students to retire. This article appears courtesy of The Peabody Press.
While there are many Advanced Placement courses at USN, every year juniors and seniors endeavor to take AP Art History, taught by highly-respected USN teacher Dr. Marcia Lavine. This course continues to be one of the most interesting AP courses in the school.
Lavine, who has taught the course for the last decade, is entering her final year as a teacher at USN. She has taught at both the high school and collegiate level throughout her teaching career and is teaching both AP European History and AP Art History this year. Lavine has been revered by many students as an outstanding teacher, and many students decided to take advantage of her last AP Art History course.
Maya Black '18 enjoyed learning from Dr. Lavine and wanted to have her for another year.
“I really enjoyed AP European History, but it was a difficult class. I feel like AP Art History isn’t as hard, although it’s not easy, but we really do learn about a lot of different pieces of artwork.”
Black does note that the tests are very different from any other tests she has taken.
“It’s weird because we have to know a set number of 250 images for the exam, but Dr. Lavine adds some images that she thinks are important to help us have a better understanding of art and art styles and trends over the course of history.”
She adds that students do have to know a little about history in general in order to provide reasons for why the images were made.
“We have to know the date of the image, who commissioned it if we know, and why it was commissioned. Also we have to know what the image means, what is its context, etc. It’s a lot of information to take in, but Dr. Lavine does a really good job teaching it to us. I already feel like I have a better understanding of art and it’s only been about a month into the school year.”
Junior Eli Horton echoed Black’s praise of Dr. Lavine.
“When I first went into the class it was very difficult and frustrating because she was more difficult than any other teacher I had before. As I progressed through the year, I found that her methods really challenged me and ameliorated my abilities as a history scholar,” said junior Eli Horton.
Dr. Lavine, who was excited to have thirteen students taking the course after only one took it last year, says that she takes a different approach than other AP Art History teachers.
“Other AP Art History teachers that I’ve talked to--because I’m a part of a committee of AP Art History teachers--say that they only teach the 250 images that are certified to be on the AP Exam. Sometimes the AP folks will include an image from the end of an art period and the beginning of an art period, but they don’t show the images in between and this makes it hard for students to see how the art truly changed over time. I like to include these images to provide a bridge between the two images.”
Lavine insisted that while her goal is for students to do well on the AP Exam, she does not believe in teaching to the test.
“Obviously I would want my students to do well on the test, but my goal is for students to learn a lot about art and then use that knowledge to do well on the exam.”
Lavine’s teaching has, for years, been so influential at USN, and many students continue to praise her for her teaching in both AP European History, AP Art History, and Western Civilizations.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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Ava ’26 recognized by National Council of Teachers of English
Congratulations to the rising senior, who has been selected for a 2025 Achievement Award in Writing by the National Council of Teachers of English.Read More -
Retired faculty, staff return to USN
As part of a longstanding tradition, retired teachers and professionals from USN over the years came together to celebrate, connect, and reminisce during their annual luncheon in Durnan Auditorium.Read More -
Athletes beyond Edgehill
Read MoreIt is common to have five or more University School of Nashville student-athletes sign college athletic commitment letters each year, and this year, USN saw eight more student-athletes commit to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. USN has several alumni participating in their chosen sport at the collegiate level from the Classes of 2021 through 2025. Continue reading to learn more about where Tigers are competing beyond Edgehill.
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2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
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University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.