B.A. in Art History
The Bachelor of Arts degree program in art history is a 30-credit-hour major. An art history major should strive to achieve a broad knowledge of the development of the art of the Western world. Majors are required to take the Theories of Art seminar (three credit hours), one course in each of four historical periods, three art history electives, and two seminars.
In addition, the Department offers a 33-credit honors track (admission by permission) which requires the completion of a 6-credit senior thesis. The thesis, normally between 20 and 30 pages in length, is done under the direction of one of the regular art history faculty. It is expected to demonstrate the student’s ability to treat an important art historical topic in a manner that shows his or her writing skills and methodological training. It is expected that the thesis will be suitable for submission as a writing sample for students intending to apply to art history graduate programs. Learn more about the Departmental Honors Program in Art History.
It is strongly recommended that the four-course distribution requirement be fulfilled with 200- or 300-level introductory courses taught by regular art history faculty on campus.
Art History - First Major
30 Total Hours
- Ancient Art History
- Medieval Art History
- Renaissance/Baroque Art History
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Modern (19th/20th/21st Century)
- Art History elective
- Art History elective
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Art History elective
- Art History seminar
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Art History seminar
- Theories of Art (ARHI 43576) (Taught only in the Fall. To be taken during Junior or Senior year.)
Art History electives and seminars may be taken in any period.
Art History - Supplementary Major
Students with a first major in another department can complete a supplementary major in art history by taking one course in each of the four departmental areas, two art history seminars, and two art history electives (24 credit hours total).
- Ancient Art History
- Medieval Art History
- Renaissance/Baroque Art History
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Modern (19th/20th/21st Century)
- Art History elective
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Art History elective
- Art History seminar
- Art History seminar
The Department also offers a 15-credit hour minor which includes a pre-1600 course, a post-1600 course, and three art history electives.
Courses taken for the supplementary major or the minor cannot be counted in more than one university program but may be used to fulfill the University Fine Arts requirement.
