Art History (BA)

Program Overview

It emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and an appreciation for art's societal and cultural roles. The program offers a flexible structure, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests, and prepares them for careers in various art-related fields and beyond.

Program Outline

Program Objectives:

• Equip students with a solid foundation in art history, spanning from prehistoric times to the present.
• Develop critical thinking and analytical skills for interpreting and discussing visual art.
• Foster an appreciation for the diverse roles art plays in society and culture.
• Prepare students for professional careers in various art-related fields, including curating, conservation, museum management, arts administration, education, criticism, and non-profit work.
• Equip graduates with transferable skills applicable to diverse fields like law, human rights, healthcare, business, international relations, librarianship, education, publishing, politics, and marketing.

Program Description:

The Art History program emphasizes interdisciplinarity, encouraging students to engage with art from various perspectives and historical periods. Through rigorous coursework, students gain a deep understanding of art's social, cultural, and historical significance. The program emphasizes critical thinking and analysis, enabling students to interpret and discuss visual art effectively. Students learn to research, write, and present their findings on various art-related topics. The Art History program also provides students with numerous opportunities to engage with the art world directly. Students can participate in internships at museums, galleries, and other arts organizations, gaining valuable hands-on experience. The program's flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies to their specific interests. Students can choose from a wide range of courses covering various art historical periods, regions, and movements. They can also pursue specialized topics through independent research projects and seminars.

Outline:

Course Requirements:

• Introductory Courses (6 credits): Students choose six credits from a selection of introductory courses covering various art historical periods and regions.
• Art History at the 2000 Level and Above (13 credits): Students must complete three credits at the 2000 level and ten credits at the 3000 level or above.
• Art History Capstone Seminar (3 credits): Students complete a capstone seminar in their senior year, focusing on a specific research topic.
• Studio Art (6 credits): Students take six credits of studio art at any level for which they meet the prerequisites.
• Related Courses (12 credits): Students complete 12 credits of related courses outside the major, as approved by their advisor.

Course Schedule and Modules:

The Art History program offers a diverse range of courses covering various aspects of art history. Students can choose from courses focusing on specific periods, regions, movements, artists, and themes.

Sample Modules:

• Global Perspectives on Western Art: Renaissance to the Present
• Introduction to Art History: Prehistoric - 14th Century
• Introduction to Art History: 15th Century - Present
• Introduction to Asian Art
• From Sun Gods to Lowriders: Introduction to Latin American Art
• Introduction to Architecture
• Art and Activism
• Race, Gender, Sexuality, and the Power of Looking
• History of the Print
• Greek Art
• Roman Art
• Islamic Art History
• Asian American Art and Visual Culture
• African-American Art
• American Architecture
• Museums and the Interpretation of Culture
• Art History's Feminisms
• Urban Architecture: International Perspectives
• Image as Witness: Testimony, Witness, Confession
• The Art of China
• African Art

Assessment:

Common Assessment Methods:

• Exams: Students may take exams to assess their knowledge of specific art historical periods, movements, and artists.
• Papers: Students may write research papers on various art-related topics, demonstrating their ability to analyze and interpret visual art.
• Presentations: Students may give presentations on their research findings, showcasing their communication and critical thinking skills.
• Class Participation: Active participation in class discussions and activities is often an important aspect of assessment.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures: Professors deliver lectures to introduce students to key concepts and provide an overview of different art historical periods and movements.
• Seminars: Small group seminars allow students to engage in深入 discussions and analysis of specific topics.
• Studio Visits and Field Trips: Students may visit museums, galleries, and other art spaces to experience art firsthand and engage with curators and artists.
• Guest Lectures: The program invites guest speakers, including artists, curators, and scholars, to share their expertise and perspectives with students.
• Individualized Instruction: Professors provide personalized feedback and guidance to students through office hours and other forms of one-on-one interaction.

Faculty:

The Art History program boasts a faculty with extensive expertise in various areas of art history.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Curators: Curators are responsible for managing and developing collections of art in museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions.
• Art Conservators: Art conservators restore and preserve artworks, ensuring their longevity for future generations.
• Gallery and Museum Managers: Gallery and museum managers oversee the day-to-day operations of art spaces, including exhibitions, programming, and visitor services.
• Art Educators: Art educators teach art history and studio art at various levels, from elementary schools to universities.
• Non-Profit Work: Art history graduates can work in non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting the arts and supporting artists.

Other:

• The Art History program offers a variety of opportunities for students to engage with the art world outside of the classroom.
• Students can participate in internships at museums, galleries, and other arts organizations.
• They can also join student-run art history organizations and attend lectures, workshops, and other events.
• The program encourages students to study abroad, providing them with the opportunity to experience art and culture in different parts of the world.