Art History is a discipline that explores the fascination and allure of visual objects and imagery interpreted through contextual knowledge and understanding. Art functions on numerous levels within society and is integrally related to aesthetic, political, religious, and cultural systems, the study of which provides intellectual pleasure and valuable preparation for further educational and vocational pursuits.

Art History furnishes a solid foundation in the history, theory, and criticism of both Western and non-Western art as well as an introduction to media and cultural studies that provide a basis for understanding contemporary culture. Based on a strong liberal arts foundation, the degree emphasizes skills in critical thinking, advanced writing, and research, and encourages majors to explore interdisciplinary connections with other fields across the curriculum. Distinguished by flexibility of student choice in selecting courses best attuned to meeting academic needs and professional goals, the program also provides opportunities for gallery and museum related experiences and international study. Majors develop a contract in consultation with the Art History advisor to chart fulfillment of degree requirements.

In our image rich and media driven culture, majors in Art History can look forward to a wide range of professional applications of this degree, including (but not limited to) the following: museum and gallery professional, art center administrator, historic preservation, digital media resources, as well as preparation for graduate training in a broad range of fields including art history, media/cultural studies, law and cultural property, business school, library science, and numerous other areas where a fine liberal arts degree is relevant.

Degree Requirements

Credits