Art History Major
Art History Major
The goal of Art History is to connect historical events and human experiences with material culture. The major begins with a required 2-semester examination of the European-American visual tradition and an introduction to archaeology, moves to period-specific inquiries, advances to specialized lecture/discussion classes within periods, and culminates in a senior seminar. This sequence of courses allows students to develop their mastery of subject matter -- objects, makers, and ideas -- while at the same time building their skills at interpreting, assessing, and explaining that subject matter and the methodologies for its study.
Students planning to go on to graduate school are urged to study at least one foreign language (preferably German) through the intermediate level.
A major in art history requires the completion of ten units. These include:
ARTH 150
ARTH 151
ARTH 218
3 200-level Art History classes, 1 from each of the following time periods:
Ancient
Medieval, Renaissance or Baroque
18th/19th/20th century European or American Art
2 Art History classes at or above the 300 level
ARTH 456
1 elective
Electives may come from art history or from courses in another major that have been approved by the art history faculty.
One INQ or Honors course taught by ARTH faculty may count towards the ARTH major with approval of the art history faculty, who will determine the area of the major into which the course falls.
To declare the art history major, please consult with one of the art history professors. The declaration of major form is found on the Registrar's page. Click on "program declaration" in the left column.
Art History Minor
The minor in Art History is designed to give students a general experience of both the content and methods of art history. A minor in art history requires the completion of six units, including:
2 of the following:
ARTH 150
ARTH 151
ARTH 218
2 200-level Art History classes, from different time periods:
Ancient
Medieval, Renaissance or Baroque
18th/19th/20th century European or American Art
1 Art History class at or above the 300 level
1 elective
Electives may come from art history or from courses in another major that have been approved by the art history faculty.
One INQ or Honors course taught by ARTH faculty may count towards the ARTH minor with approval of the art history faculty, who will determine the area of the minor into which the course falls.
Art History Minor Checklist
To declare the art history minor, please speak with one of the art history professors. The declaration of minor form is found on the Registrar's page. Click on "program declaration" in the left column.