The major in art history introduces students to a broad range of issues, skills and practices in the
field of visual studies with a focus on works of art and architecture. The curriculum is designed
to familiarize students with some of the major periods in both Western and Non-Western art
history as well as the compelling methodologies and questions of the art historian. Courses
train the student in formal and visual analysis and guide them in examining works of art and
architecture within appropriate contextual and cultural frameworks. Multiple opportunities to
study works first-hand to conduct research are incorporated in the curriculum. The Senior LC
includes a seminar, Contemporary Art (AH 491) or Imagining the Individual: What is Portraiture? (AH
490), an RFT based around fi eld experiences and methodological research and an internship at
a NYC museum, cultural institution or gallery. The major prepares students for careers in the
arts including museums and art institutions as well as for entrance to graduate programs in the
fi eld, but is an excellent choice for any student who wishes to be visually literate, providing key
skills useful in a variety of professions and life experiences.
A minimum of 12 units with the following distribution:
All of the following (4 units):
AR 103, AR 105, AH 109, AH 118
One of the following Western art courses (1 unit):
AH 215, AH 324 or AH 217
One of the following non-Western art courses (1 unit):
AH 219 (Egyptian Art), AH 220 (Islamic Art), AH 223 (Ancient Near Eastern), AH 301
( Art and Narrative), AH 302 (Assyrian Empire)
Two art history electives (2 units)
Senior LC (2 units)
(AH 491: Contemporary Art or AH 490 Imagining the Individual: What is Portraiture?) and
AH 400 (RFT plus internship)
Cognates (2 units)
2 semesters study in a foreign language
The following courses are strongly recommended for art history majors:
AR 221 ( Gallery Management)
AN 212 (Archaeology)
AA 250 (Arts Management)
