Art History
Overview
Abstract Expressionism or Post Impressionism? Surrealism or Dadaism? What's the difference? In addition to knowing answers to questions such as these, art history majors study both the history and aesthetic ideology that goes into a work of visual art. Whether it's painting, photography, architecture, film, sculpture, or multi-media projects, art historians are responsible for helping us to interpret work in these media.Part historian, part cultural critic, Art History majors help define a work of art by placing it into its proper historical context. They examine the layers of influences that go into the making of a piece of art, including the social, political, and personal forces underlying an artist's development. With each new artistic movement, with each new artist, comes a new way of seeing and interpreting the world. Through the art historian's critical lens, our own ability to share in the artist's insight and vision is enhanced.
As an Art History major you will also have the opportunity to cultivate your knowledge of a foreign language, related liberal arts majors, and, if you're interested, explore your own artistic inclinations through studio art courses.
SAMPLE CURRICULUM
Asian Art
Contemporary Art
Hellenistic and Roman Art
History of Western Art I-III
Introduction to Artistic Media and Techniques
Japanese Art
Modern American Painting and Sculpture
Northern Renaissance Art
Survey of Art history
Writing Seminar in the History of Art
HIGH SCHOOl PREPARATION
Classes in Art History and fine arts, including painting, photography, sculpture, dance, and ceramics, are a great way to begin to develop your ability to think critically about art. A solid background in the humanities and liberal arts as a whole, though, is the best possible preparation if you're interested in majoring in art history. Classes in English, history, philosophy, science and math are necessary. In addition, a continued personal engagement with art through frequent museum visits, reading Art History books, and study of your favorite artists and their works will help prepare you for this major.
GRADUATE PROGRAMS & CAREERS
Connect with our featured colleges to find schools that both match your interests and are looking for students like you.
Top Schools for Game Design
Ready to create the next great app? Launch your gaming career at one of these top 50 programs.
Best 390 Colleges
168,000 students rate everything from their professors to their campus social scene.
Join athletes who were discovered, recruited & often received scholarships after connecting with NCSA's 42,000 strong network of coaches.