Art History Program

The Department of Art History offers courses in the history and criticism of the visual arts in major world cultures. Students at the introductory level examine art objects and learn the basic critical and historical vocabulary through which these objects may be understood and appreciated. At the advanced level, majors and nonmajors alike have the opportunity to investigate aspects (e.g., style, iconography, patronage, and social and political context) of the arts in a particular geographical area at a given historical time. This advanced work, in conjunction with appropriate language training, provides a solid foundation for those who plan to go to graduate school in preparation for a career in the arts (e.g., scholarship, teaching, museums, writing).

An internationally renowned faculty and a diverse group of students share the Grey Art Library and Study Center, which includes lecture and seminar rooms, offices, a reference library, and ample space for the study of visual materials.