B.A. in History of Art

The History of Art major requires 30 hours and gives students the opportunity to study art and visual culture across a wide range of historical periods, from ancient to contemporary. The program is designed to allow for concentration in particular periods and areas of interest. By requiring courses in both the lecture and seminar format, the program aims to provide a basis of comprehensive knowledge and challenging opportunities for more specialized instruction.

Students should consider related offerings (including studio art, particularly important for students working in modern and contemporary areas), in interdisciplinary programs, and in aesthetics. Those planning graduate work in history of art should pursue advanced studies – which may include honors – and consider advanced courses in other departments offering complementary course work. Advanced language studies are strongly recommended, as graduate programs expect fluency in one language for the M.A. and two for the Ph.D., with French and German the most commonly required. Non-European languages should be considered for those primarily interested in non-Western traditions.

Requirements for the Major

Area requirements (15 hours) – five History of Art courses, one each from the following areas:
a. Ancient: CLAS 203, 204, 205, 206, 217
b. Medieval: HART 210, 211, 214, 215
c. Renaissance/Baroque: HART 212, 218, 219, 221, 222, 224
d. Modern: HART 226, 230, 231, 232, 240, 241, 242
e. Non-Western: HART 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257
 
Electives (9 hours) – three upper-level courses in History of Art (HART 200 to 290) in addition to the area requirements, PHIL240, 241, with one Studio Art course (ARTS) optional as an elective.

Advanced Seminars, HART 295 (6 hours)

Requirements for the Minor

The minor in History of Art requires 18 hours of course work, including the following:

Two 100-level courses from 110, 111, 120, and 130, plus any four upper-level History of Art courses (AHST 200 through 290, CLAS 203, 204, 205, 206, and 217).

Recommended Courses for Pre-Architecture Curriculum

The courses listed below will help students prepare for most graduate programs in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Design, Urban Planning, Historic Preservation, Architectural History, and related fields. This curriculum works well for those planning to minor in History of Art, Art, and Theatre though a student can major in any area and still be a viable candidate for graduate study in architecture. Many of the courses coincide with the AXLE requirements.

- The History of Art courses listed in this document have an architectural component
- The Art courses enable students to build a portfolio of creative work
- The Theatre courses are recommended because set design classes introduce students to basic drafting and CAD (computer-aided design). Working on stage sets can help students understand architectural spaces, motifs, and construction processes. Students must also learn to work in group or team situations.

Many students create an interdisciplinary major around courses related to art and architecture (48 hours).

Minimum Requirements (these courses are highly recommended for admission to most graduate programs in architecture)

Math 150ab (or higher)
Physics 117ab (or higher, Physics 116ab sequence is acceptable)
Students are encouraged to take at least one of the following: Biology 100, Geology 100,
Geology 101
Higher-level courses in natural and earth sciences are acceptable as well
Portfolio of creative work
2 courses in the Social Sciences
2 courses in English/Writing
2 courses in the Humanities
2 courses in History of Art and/or Architectural History
GRE (Graduate Record Exam)