Art History

Emphasis in Modern and Contemporary Art

Students who major in Art History will gain insight into the complex and dynamic relationship between art and the society that produces it. Although the emphasis of the curriculum is on art of the last 150 years, students will achieve a thorough overview of the major periods and art works in the history of western art since the ancient world before engaging with the often-contentious roles of art and artists in the modern era.

Utilizing seminar-style classes as well as lectures, students will gain a thorough grounding in theoretical and critical approaches to the study of art and will learn to discuss the subject cogently in written and oral presentations. In the final year, they will have the opportunity to explore a topic in depth and to produce a thesis that meets the research, writing, and documentation standards of the discipline.

Students who graduate with a degree in Art History will be eligible to pursue graduate study in the discipline or to take entry-level positions in museums and galleries, art publishing, and related careers. Moreover, the knowledge and insights that they will have gained should enrich their understanding and enjoyment of art in their future lives, regardless of career path.

The Art History major will introduce students to the following:

• A thorough overview of the major periods and art works in the history of western art since the ancient world.
• A thorough grounding in theoretical and critical approaches to the study of art.
• The vocabulary and concepts that will allow them to discuss art cogently in written and oral presentations.
• The skills and knowledge necessary to explore a topic in depth and to produce a thesis that meets the research, writing, and documentation standards of the discipline.
• The background to enable them to pursue graduate study in the discipline or to take entry-level positions in museums and galleries, art publishing, and related careers.
• The knowledge and insights that should enrich their understanding and enjoyment of art in their future lives, regardless of career path.

Students who graduate with an Art History major will be able to do the following:

• Demonstrate through course assignments insights into the complex and dynamic relationship between art and the society that produces it, including the often contentious roles of art and artists in the modern era.
• Demonstrate through course assignments their mastery of the vocabulary and concepts of critical analysis and a thorough grounding in theoretical and critical approaches to the study of art.
• Through the process of producing a thesis that meets the research, writing, and documentation standards of the discipline demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to explore a topic in depth.
• Demonstrate through course assignments and field-based experiences the background to enable them to pursue graduate study in the discipline or to take entry-level positions in museums and galleries, art publishing, and related careers.

Requirements of the Art History Major