Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art History

Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Knowledge

• Demonstrate proficient knowledge of art historical issues through a final written thesis
• Intelligently discuss art and architecture from the major Western traditions and the artists that produced them
• Analyze the stylistic characteristics of Western art and architecture using appropriate terminology
• Analyze the social, political, historical, and religious contexts of Western art and architecture

Art and Design Skills

• Develop an understanding of the materials and methods of fine art production in relation to the art historical narrative

Research and Analysis

• Research and persuasively analyze an art historical issue and/or theoretical position
• Apply theoretical and methodological approaches to the interpretation of Western art and architecture

Communication Skills

• Clearly express their ideas through reflective writing and researched presentations
• Speak, read and write on a basic level in a foreign (European) language

Professional Readiness

• Conduct research, write effectively, and synthesize acquired knowledge in art history as well as fine art contexts

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

• Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
• Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
• Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
• Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
• Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
• Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
• Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.

Academy of Art University offers some of the best training and guidance to help students accelerate toward their chosen art history careers. We pride ourselves in doing an exceptional job preparing you to excel as a professional art historian. Our degree programs are designed to give graduates a comprehensive toolbox of marketable skills that lead to success in the field.

Appraiser

As an art appraiser, you'll work in an auction house appraising a variant of art pieces to help collectors and galleries grow their collections. With your knowledge of historical and artistic significance, you'll set the pace for the art world and its value in the cultural landscape.

Corporate Consultant

As a corporate art consultant, you'll work with private corporations as an art buyer, assessor, and art investor to assess potential additions to the collection. Understanding works of art as both a financial investment and as part of a growing collection, you'll create a portfolio of art that speaks to a specific message.

Curator

As a museum or gallery curator, you'll work as the content specialist in charge of the institution's collection. Interpret the material, organize its exhibition, and provide historical context through materials, catalogs, and labels.

Instructor

As an art history teacher, you'll teach a variety of topics including everything from survey courses to focused seminars at the high school or university level.

Researcher

As an art researcher, you'll work in a publishing house, museum, gallery, or institution studying and compiling information on a specific subject to be used in publications, presentations, or exhibitions.

Writer/Reviewer

As an art writer/reviewer, you'll work in a publishing house reading and reviewing art-related materials. Working in teams, you'll fact-check, revise, and edit everything from articles to books.

Unit Requirements

Degree Requirements

• A minimum grade of C- in all core courses, major courses, studio coursework, LA 107 Writing for the Multilingual Artist or LA 108 Composition for the Artist, and LA 202 English Composition: Creative Persuasion & Argument or LA 207 Persuasion & Argument for the Multilingual Writer.
• Minimum 2.0 GPA and the following general education requirements:
• 1 Written Communication: Composition
• 1 Written Communication: Expository Writing
• 1 European Foreign Language - Level 1
• 1 European Foreign Language - Level 2
• 1 European Foreign Language - Level 3
• 1 European Foreign Language - Level 4
• 1 Western Civilization
• 1 Quantitative Literacy
• 1 Employment Communications & Practices
• 1 Cultural Ideas & Influences
  • 1 Written Communication: Composition
  • 1 Written Communication: Expository Writing
  • 1 European Foreign Language - Level 1
  • 1 European Foreign Language - Level 2
  • 1 European Foreign Language - Level 3
  • 1 European Foreign Language - Level 4
  • 1 Western Civilization
  • 1 Quantitative Literacy
  • 1 Employment Communications & Practices
  • 1 Cultural Ideas & Influences

Gen Ed Description 2

After the above general education requirements are met, take Liberal Arts electives as needed to fulfill the Liberal Arts unit requirement.

Curriculum

Semester 1

• AHS 114: Traditional Materials, Tools, & Techniques in Art (Studio)
• AHS 116: Looking at Art and Design (Core)
• LA 108: Composition for the Artist (Liberal Arts)
• LA 307: History of Aesthetics (Liberal Arts)

Semester 2

• AHS 120: Art History Through the 15th Century (Core)
• LA 171: Western Civilization (Liberal Arts)
• LA 202: English Composition: Creative Persuasion & Argument (Liberal Arts)
• LA 219: Histories of Architecture (Major Elective)
  Recommended for summer
• LA 224: Women, Art & Society (Major Elective)
  Recommended for summer
• LA 260: French 1: Basic Grammar & Speech (Liberal Arts)

Semester 3

• AHS 121: Art History Through the 19th Century (Core)
• FND 110A: Analysis of Form A (Studio)
• LA 220: American Art History (Core)
• LA 432: Art of Spain: From El Greco to Picasso (Major Elective)

Semester 4

• AHS 222: 20th Century Art for Art History Majors (Core)
• FA 145: Printmaking (Studio)
• LA 124: Physics for Artists: Light, Sound, and Motion (Liberal Arts)
  Recommended for summer
• LA 262: French 2: Conversational French (Liberal Arts)
• LA 291: Designing Careers (Liberal Arts)
• LA 383: World Cinema (Elective)
  Recommended for summer

Semester 5

• AHS 327: Art of the Classical World (Core)
• LA 245: History of Jewelry and Metal Arts from Around the World (Major Elective)
• LA 249: An Artistic and Intellectual History of the Renaissance (Elective)
• LA 392: French 3: Reading & Writing (Liberal Arts)

Semester 6

• LA 326: Topics in World Art (Core)
• LA 333: Art of the Middle Ages (Core)
• LA 387: Women Directors in Cinema (Elective)
  Recommended for summer
• LA 388: Survey of Asian Cinema (Major Elective)
• LA 420: Art of the Italian Renaissance (Major)

Semester 7

• LA 319: History of Architecture: Modernity (Major Elective)
• LA 434: History of Asian Art (Major Elective)
• LA 462: Power of Myth and Symbol (Liberal Arts)
• LA 492: French 4: Proficiency (Liberal Arts)

Semester 8

• AHS 466: Art History Senior Thesis (Core)
• FA 241: Book Arts (Studio)
  Recommended for summer
• LA 274: Study Abroad: Art & Architecture of Renaissance Florence (Major Elective)
• LA 435: The Power of Signs: Semiotics & The Visual Arts (Liberal Arts)
• LA 464: Dada & Surrealism (Major)
• N/A: Any Course (Elective)
  Recommended for summer