Art History Major

Art History Major

Petit Palais, Paris

The goal of Art History is to connect historical events and human experiences with visual expression. The major begins with a required 2-semester general survey, moves to period-specific surveys, 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, artists, 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 146
ARTH 156
3 200-level Art History classes, 1 from each of the following areas:
Ancient/Medieval; Renaissance/Baroque; 18th/19th/20th century European or American Art
2 Art History classes at or above the 300 level
ARTH 456
2 electives
Electives may come from art history or from courses in another major that have been approved by the art history faculty.

To declare the art history major, please consult with one of the art history professors.

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:

ARTH 146
ARTH 156
2 200-level Art History classes, from different areas:
Ancient/Medieval; Renaissance/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.

To declare the art history minor, please speak with one of the art history professors.