Dive into the academic study of art from an historical perspective, spanning centuries of imagination, influence, social issues and culture.

Through this program, you will study painters, sculptors, architects and others from Ancient Egypt to the present, learning to not only to analyze creative works, but also to ask broader questions about the place and role of the arts in human history. You will take an interdisciplinary approach to the subject, considering art objects not only in relation to history but also to the politics, economics and societal and cultural values of the time period in which they were made.

The Curriculum

View the 2023-2024 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for Minor in Art History

  • ART1204 History of Western Art (AI-A) (VCI)
  • Four courses in art history to be selected in consultation with the advisor

Students enrolled in the art history program will be trained to:

  • Identify and describe the formal properties of art objects
  • Connect specific art objects to major art movements
  • Understand the ways in which art objects engage history, culture and other external forces
  • Analyze the shifting meanings of art objects based on the theoretical tools employed by art historians

What can I do with coursework in art history?

Here are some common career paths for art historians:

  • Museum and Gallery Work: Art history majors can pursue careers in museums and galleries, where they may work as curators, exhibit designers, educators, or administrators.
  • Art Criticism and Journalism: Art history majors can work in art criticism and journalism, where they write about art and artists for print and online publications.
  • Art Conservation and Restoration: Art history majors can work in art conservation and restoration, where they use specialized techniques and equipment to preserve and restore art objects.
  • Art Auctions and Appraisals: Art history majors can work in art auctions and appraisals, where they evaluate the value of art objects and help facilitate their sale at auction.
  • Arts Administration: Art history majors can work in arts administration, where they manage and coordinate arts organizations, such as theaters, music festivals, and art centers.
  • Art Therapy: Art history majors can pursue a career in art therapy, where they use art to help individuals address emotional and psychological issues.

Overall, a major in art history can provide you with a strong foundation in art history, theory, and criticism, as well as the critical thinking and research skills needed to succeed in a range of careers in the arts and cultural industries. The art world is diverse and multifaceted, and a major in art history can be a gateway to a variety of exciting and rewarding careers.

Art historians require a range of skills and knowledge to analyze and interpret works of art in historical and cultural contexts. Here are some important skills for art historians:

  • Analytical and critical thinking: Art historians need to be able to analyze works of art, interpret their meaning, and develop insights into their historical and cultural significance.
  • Research skills: Art historians need to be skilled researchers, able to gather and analyze information from a variety of sources, including primary documents, archives, and historical records.
  • Knowledge of art history and theory: Art historians need to have a deep understanding of art history, including the styles, movements, and artists that have shaped the discipline over time. They should also be familiar with different art theories and methodologies used in art historical research.
  • Writing and communication skills: Art historians need to be able to communicate their research findings effectively through written reports, scholarly articles, and presentations.
  • Visual analysis: Art historians need to be able to analyze the visual elements of works of art, including composition, color, form, and texture, and interpret their meaning.
  • Interdisciplinary knowledge: Art historians often work at the intersection of art, history, and other disciplines, such as anthropology, philosophy, and sociology. They should be familiar with the methods and approaches used in these fields.
  • Proficiency in languages: Art historians often need to be proficient in multiple languages, especially if they specialize in the art of a particular region or historical period.

Overall, art historians need to be curious, analytical, and critical thinkers with a deep knowledge of art history, theory, and methodology. By developing these skills, art historians can analyze and interpret works of art in their historical and cultural contexts and contribute to our understanding of the art world.