Objectives

The philosophy of the Department rests on the premise that its students should receive a broad education that combines creativity and scholarly study. Two majors are offered, Studio Arts and Art History. The foremost objective is to prepare students intellectually and professionally for a career in Studio Arts and Art History and/or graduate studies. Courses offered to undergraduate majors and non-majors stress the cultural value of the visual arts.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students majoring in Art History should be able to:

• Demonstrate that they comprehend historical contexts for diverse artistic traditions.
• Exhibit knowledge of the impact of diverse cultural contexts on the production and understanding of artistic traditions.

Students majoring in Art History should know:

• Methods for analyzing works of visual culture, art, and architecture within their appropriate historical, social, religious, and philosophical contexts.
• How to think critically and articulate clear ideas about visual culture, art, and architecture and their historical and contemporary significance.
• The necessary research and writing skills to formulate and articulate meaningful statements and documents on visual culture, art, and architecture.

Students majoring in Art History are presented with the opportunity to value:

• The aesthetic, theoretical, and historical properties of works of visual culture, art, and architecture.
• The power of visual culture to communicate deep human ideas and emotions.

Major Requirements

Art History Model Four-Year Plan