B.A. in Humanities

ART HISTORY CONCENTRATION

Art history teaches us to understand what we see and how to express those perceptions. It provides us with the vocabulary to explain how the artist has produced a work of art and shows us the importance of the historical and cultural context in which the work of art was made. The study of art history asks that we apply our knowledge of the past to works of art created in other eras. A knowledge of art history, once obtained, is constantly renewed in museums and art galleries throughout the world. It enriches your cultural life and adds a dimension of beauty that may have been otherwise missing. This concentration provides you with the background and analytical skills to enter graduate school in art history, arts administration or art appraisal programs, or even such diverse fields as law or business.

We recommend that students complete the McGhee Core Curriculum before the following requirements.

Prerequisites and Recommended Courses

Before starting the concentration, students must complete History of Art I: Earliest Times Through the Middle Ages and History of Art II: Renaissance to Modern. 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)

Art Theory and Criticism / Y23.5471	4
Humanities Research Seminar / Y23.7900	4

Concentration Courses (16 Credits)

Students are required to complete one course from each of the four categories below.

Ancient and Medieval Art

Early Medieval Art and Architecture / Y23.5416	4
Ancient Art and Architecture / Y23.5444	4

Renaissance and Baroque Art

Renaissance Art in Italy / Y23.5406	4
Northern Renaissance Art / Y23.5407	4
Baroque Art / Y23.5449	4

Neoclassical to Modern Art

20th-Century Art and Architecture / Y23.5430	4
Art Since 1945 / Y23.5453	4
Neoclassicism, Romanticism, and Realism / Y23.5456	4

Non-Western Art

African Art / Y23.5410	4
The Art of China and Japan / Y23.5412	4
Islamic Art and Architecture / Y23.5413	4

Major Requirements (20 Credits)

Students may select additional courses from above or choose other Humanities courses. It is recommended that students take at least one seminar course. Topics in art history or practicum courses round out the program (see below).

Seminar

Seminar in Art History / Y23.5404

Topics Courses

History of Photography / Y23.5421	4
American Art and Architecture / Y23.5454	4
Special Topics in Art History / Y23.5490	4

Practicum Courses

Students may select a maximum of two practicum courses as part of their major requirements.

The Arts: Photography Without a Darkroom / Y20.5414	2
The Arts: Drawing / Y20.5417	2
New York City Architecture / Y20.5422	2
Midtown Architectural Landmarks / Y20.5427	2
The Arts: Collage and Mixed Media / Y20.5432	2
The Arts: Drawing, Expression, Space, and Form / Y20.5434	2
Art Studio Techniques and Practices / Y20.5445	2