Concentrations

In our visually dominated world, images often are seen as mere “background noise.” The discipline of art history trains us how to see images with a more critical eye by teaching us how to analyze and comprehend the cultural, social, and political messages that lie hidden beneath art’s aesthetic beauty. Provided with an understanding of, and facility with, the language of art, students learn to analyze how the artist’s creative process both influenced, and was influenced by, the cultural context in which the art was created. The curriculum includes a selection of studio art course options allowing students to experience the creative process in a hands-on fashion. Our school’s proximity to the many great museums and art galleries in New York City helps to reinforce knowledge learned in the classroom.

The art history concentration recognizes the importance of practical application tracks as career foundation options for students and offers three distinct tracks from which students may chose: art business, fine and decorative art appraisal, and arts administration. Graduates of our program have gone on to graduate studies in art history, museum studies, art education, art restoration and conservation, and library science, while others have found employment in auction houses, arts administration, advertising, and art galleries.

Foundation Courses by Concentration

20 Credits. Prior to beginning this concentration, students must complete the following foundation courses; and select two additional humanities foundation courses and one additional social sciences foundation course. Those planning to attend graduate school in art history are advised to take at least two semesters of French or German.

Methods and Theory

8 Credits. Students are required to take the following courses.

Concentration Courses

16 Credits. Students select one course from each of the following categories.

Ancient and Medieval Art

Renaissance and Baroque Art

19th-Century, 20th-Century, and Contemporary Art

Global Art

Major Requirements

20 Credits. To enhance their area of concentration and to broaden their knowledge base, students select 20 credits by combining their choice of the above concentration courses; other humanities or social sciences courses; and the following courses. Students must select at least one course from the arts courses category.

Seminar

Topics Courses

Arts Courses

Students may select a maximum of two of the following courses.

Art History Practical Application Tracks

Students may elect to take one of the three tracks listed below. The tracks provide an introduction and broad foundation for students interested in pursuing practical careers related to art history and the arts.

Free Electives

26-28 Credits. Students select 26 to 28 credits from McGhee course offerings [PDF] in consultation with their advisors

Graduation Project

4 Credits. Students select one of the following courses in consultation with their advisor.

The creative writing concentration is a comprehensive program designed for both novice and experienced writers who wish to develop their craft while working toward a bachelor’s degree.

The completion of Foundations of the Creative Process is required of all students who are planning to take this concentration. In studio classes in poetry, prose, and performance, students concentrate on generating written works and on deepening their understanding of the conventions of particular genres and forms. Workshop-formatted courses focus more intensely on the development of student work. In the last phase of their studies, students participate in interdisciplinary humanities seminars that combine reading, writing, theory, and method. These courses precede the Senior Project in the Humanities.

Foundation Courses by Concentration

20 Credits. Prior to beginning this concentration, students must earn a combined average of B in Writing Workshop I and Writing Workshop II within the core curriculum; complete the following foundation courses; and select two additional humanities foundation courses and one additional social sciences foundation course.

Methods and Theory

8 Credits. Students are required to take Seminar in Reading and Writing and select one of the other following courses.

Concentration Courses

16 Credits. Students select two courses from each of the following categories.

Craft Studios

Workshops

Major Requirements

20 Credits. To enhance their area of concentration and to broaden their knowledge base, students select 20 credits by combining their choice of the above concentration courses, other humanities courses, or the following courses.

The literature concentration teaches you how literature serves to enrich understanding and foster critical thinking in a complex world. You will learn to read analytically, to write critically, and to speak conceptually about literary works. You will explore the dynamic interaction of literary forms with history, science, politics, and social change, developing responses that are both unique and valid. Because of its cultural depth and the emphasis on analytical reading and writing skills, a specialization in literature is considered excellent preparation for career advancement and professional studies in fields such as business administration, law, and the social services, as well as for further study in humanities fields.

Foundation Courses by Concentration

20 credits. Prior to beginning this concentration, students must complete Introduction to Literature: The Craft of Reading and one of the following courses. In consultation with their advisor, students also select three additional courses from the humanities and social sciences foundation courses. Oral Traditions in Literature or Major 20th-century Writers (from the core curriculum) is recommended. Those planning to attend graduate school are advised to take at least two semesters of a foreign language.

Methods and Theory

8 Credits. Students must take Literary Theory and Criticism, Semiotics of Literature and Media, or four credits of media and literary genres courses.

Concentration Courses

16 Credits. Students select eight credits from each of the following categories.

Literary Genres

Literature in History

Major Requirements

20 Credits. To enhance their area of concentration and to broaden their knowledge base, students select 20 credits by combining their choice of the above concentration courses, other humanities courses, particularly Creative Writing, or Special Topics in Literature.