History of Art Major

The Visual Art and History of Art Department comprises two different programs, each with its own major: the making of art (Visual Art) and the history of art (History of Art). These programs share introductory courses with one another, yet each is considered a discrete field of inquiry – one devoted to the design and production of art, and the other to the study of its history and critical literature.

Major requirements

The History of Art Major consists of at least 11 semester credits, divided as listed below:

Two 100-level History of Art courses

Two Visual Art courses (any)

Five courses from categories A, B and C*

Category A - 2 courses

700 BCE – 500

500-1400

1400-1700

Category B - 2 courses

1700-1800

1800-1900

1900-present

Category C - 1 course

Note: if a course from the above categories has a curatorial component, it may fulfill category C

Museum Studies

One History of Art Elective*

This can be from any category

Senior Seminar

ARTH 401 - Seminar - Cultural Appropriation in a Postcolonial Context

Notes

Among the six courses listed with an asterisk*, at least two need to be 300-level.

Students may elect up to 16 credits in art. It is urged that students take a course in European history prior to 1800. Students who plan to do graduate work in the History of Art are strongly advised to develop a reading knowledge of German and French. Italian may sometimes be substituted.

For any questions regarding History of Art, please contact the Visual Art and History of Art Chair.