Art History Associate in Arts Degree Program
Program Overview
The Art Major with an Emphasis in Art History provides a comprehensive understanding of visual arts from a historical and cultural perspective. Students explore significant stylistic periods of Western European and American art, developing critical thinking skills and an appreciation for artistic expressions across cultures. The program prepares students for advanced studies in art history and various career opportunities in the arts and related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Art Major with an Emphasis in Art History is structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the visual arts from a social, political, philosophical, and cultural perspective. This foundation allows students to delve into human history and creativity, developing heightened sensitivity to art-related issues, critical thinking skills in the context of art and history, and an appreciation for artistic expressions across different cultures and civilizations. Completion of the AA degree in Art with an Emphasis in Art History exposes students to the significant stylistic periods of Western European and American Art and Architecture, preparing them for advanced studies in art history.
Outline:
Core Courses (15 units):
- ART 101: Art and Architecture from the Ancient World to Medieval Times (c. 1400)
- ART 102: Art of Renaissance and Baroque (c. 1300-1700)
- ART 103: Art of Europe and America: Neoclassical (c. 1750-Present)
- ART 104: Modern Art
- ART 204: Drawing I
Selective Courses (3 units):
Students select one course from the following options:
- ART 105: Asian Art and Architecture
- ART 124: Old Masters' Aesthetics and Techniques
- ART 206: Expressive Figure Drawing and Portraiture
- ART 207: Life Drawing
- ART 214: Color
- ART 223: Oil Painting I
- ART 301: Two-Dimensional Design
- DGME 103: Fundamentals of Two-Dimensional Design
- ART 350: Visual Perception
- ANTH 110: Cultural Anthropology
- FILM 100: Introduction to Film
- HIST 100: History of Western Civilization I
Careers:
Completion of the Art with an Emphasis in Art History program prepares students for various career opportunities that may require further studies at a four-year institution. Potential career paths include:
- College Professor
- Teacher
- Arts Administrator
- Museum/Gallery Curator
- Corporate Art Advisor
- Museum Docent
- Slide Librarian
- Consultant on Historical Style for Film and TV Production
- Museum Conservator
- Historical Conservationist
- Art Critic
- Tour Guide
- Travel Consultant
- Research Assistant
- Art Dealer
San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley
Overview:
San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley (SMCSV) is a group of three community colleges located in San Mateo County, California: Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College. SMCSV offers both in-person and online study options for international students.
