Program Overview
The Minor in Art History at SFSU immerses students in visual cultures from the past and present, enabling them to analyze and interpret art within historical, cultural, and theoretical contexts. It develops skills in critical thinking, visual literacy, writing, and oral presentation, preparing students for careers in media, arts, culture, service, and education industries. To complete the minor, students must have upper-division standing, complete six upper-division units with a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and consult with an art history advisor.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Minor in Art History provides students with the opportunity to delve into the visual cultures of the past and present, spanning the globe. This 18-unit program offers a progression of courses, starting with introductory surveys at the 200 level, moving to more specialized 300 and 400 level lecture courses, and culminating in a 500 level Advanced Topics course. Students learn how to analyze and interpret visual art within a variety of contexts including historical, social, political, and cultural perspectives. The program takes advantage of the rich cultural resources, galleries, and museums of the Bay Area. The Minor in Art History provides a versatile skill set, including strong writing, oral communication, critical thinking, and visual literacy. These are highly sought-after skills in various professions within media, arts, culture, service, and education industries. Admission is open to all students who have upper-division standing and have completed the two required lower-division courses (either two lower-division Art History courses or one lower-division Art History and one lower-division Studio Art course) with a minimum grade of C.
Program Learning Outcomes:
- Gain foundational knowledge of art history across multiple time periods and geographical areas, including the identification of major artists, works, and movements. Define key terms, concepts, and theories.
- Demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking, formal analysis, and visual literacy to interpret and evaluate the meaning of art and visual culture.
- Develop strong verbal expression and oral presentation skills in both informal discussions and formal settings.
- Understand and apply fundamental art historical methodology and theoretical models.
- Grasp the ethical dimensions of artistic practice and scholarship within a global context, considering the dynamics of power, including those related to class, gender, race, and geopolitics.
Careers:
The Minor in Art History enhances students' career outlook by equipping them with valuable skills and knowledge that complement many other disciplines and major fields of study within the University. It provides a versatile skill set, including strong writing, oral communication, critical thinking, and visual literacy. These are highly sought-after skills in various professions within media, arts, culture, service, and education industries.
Other:
- A minimum of 6 upper-division units are required to complete the minor.
- All coursework used to satisfy the requirements of the minor must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
- The program takes advantage of the Bay Area's rich cultural resources, galleries, and museums.
- Students can add the minor online through the Student Center "Add Major" section.
