Art History (BA)

Introduces art history through a study of visual art, architecture and material cultures from the 15th century to the present. Develops an understanding of artistic terms and process within the framework of a chronological, and at times thematic, survey. Includes the political, cultural, social, economic and religious changes throughout history that are depicted in art. Provides an opportunity for students to reflect on how art was and is used as a vehicle to communicate, reflect, inspire and provide evidence of cultural shifts, changes and shared human experiences. Art history is comprised of various classes with different focuses on time, place or theme; these courses all work to teach human history through a visual approach. The focus on visual literacy, historical contextualization and an image-based framework directs the instruction toward a student-centered dynamic; students work directly in engaging their own understanding by learning how to interpret art works from lectures and texts.

History of Western art from the Paleolithic period through the Middle Ages.

History of photography from the 19th century to the present.

History of art of Africa, Oceania, and the New World. Meets non-Western art history requirement.

History of the art of the Asian cultures, with emphasis on China, Japan and India. Meets non-Western art history requirement.

Methodology and resource material for art historical research. Techniques of scholarly and critical writing and evaluation of bibliographic sources.