Art History, B.A.

The Art History major encourages students to study, investigate and interpret visual images within a historical context from the pre-historic era to the present. Concentrated course areas enable students to explore specific historical periods within a social, economic, political and religious context as well as provide a strong background in the theory of aesthetics. Students formulate their own critical analysis of works of art. Art History majors have entered graduate programs in art history, art conservation and restoration. They have also engaged in museum work, travel and art-related businesses.

Program outcomes

The student will:

• Demonstrate skill in preparation, research and presentation of information required in public presentations and collaborative projects
• Demonstrate a critical awareness of the record of human achievement in the visual arts
• Demonstrate historical empathy
• Write commentary that demonstrates familiarity and fluency with sequential periods in the history of art, including command of issues in cultural diversity, symbolism
• Demonstrate familiarity with methods and materials used in the production of works of art
• Understand basic elements of design from both a historical and contemporary perspective
• Articulate informed perspectives of aesthetic issues
• Identify and analyze works of art from the standpoint of design and historical context