Programs

The art history major stresses breadth of knowledge and focused study. By engaging directly with museum collections and taking advantage of many possible study abroad opportunities, majors and minors graduate with a visual sophistication they did not previously possess. Understanding the ways in which visual information and physical space entertain, inform and persuade is a vital skill in a contemporary world awash in images.

For more detailed information, see the art history section of the Bulletin and Course catalog. All courses are designed to contribute in various ways to the College’s learning goals.

Art History Major

A minimum of 40 credits are required for the major.

Courses

The following courses are required:

  • at least four courses at the 200 level, one each in the following four areas of study: ancient and medieval, Renaissance and Baroque, modern and American, and non-Western
  • two courses at the 300 level in art history, not including ARTH-395
  • three additional courses in art history at any level
  • one course from another department or program that is chosen in consultation with an art history advisor, after the declaration of major

Majors may enroll in 300-level seminars at the other Five College institutions with permission from their advisor and the department chair.

Art history majors may not minor in architectural studies.

Reading knowledge of at least two foreign languages is recommended for those contemplating graduate study in art history.

Art History Minor

A minimum of 20 credits are required for the minor, 16 of which must be above the 100 level.

Courses

The following courses are required for the minor:

  • one art history course or AP credit in art history at the 100-level
  • any four courses in art history at the 200 level or above

Within these general requirements, a student may construct a minor as focused or as comprehensive as desired.

Museums, Archives, and Public History Nexus

Become fluent in understanding, analyzing, and communicating about visual artifacts, material culture/objects, historical landscapes, and digital sources. Through the Museums, Archives, and Public History, you will demonstrate your curatorial abilities by developing a professional portfolio. You will gain valuable hands-on training in your field of interest.