About this Program
Explore the world of art—from classical to contemporary.
Program Overview
The art history minor offers a deep dive into our relationship with creating, curating, preserving and interpreting artwork. Students will study multidisciplinary art throughout history, gaining a firsthand look at the cultural, political and aesthetic significance of painting, drawing, sculpture, architecture, graphic design and more.
Students majoring in one of the humanities—history, literature, foreign languages—will find that the art history minor complements and enhances their area of study. The minor is also worthwhile for students considering careers in arts administration, conservation, interior design and similar fields. The required courses offer both chronological breadth and the opportunity to study a period in depth.
Degrees Offered
- Minor
Department Offering
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Required Courses
- ART 220 Global Art and Architecture I
- ART 221 Global Art and Architecture II
Electives
One of the Following
- ART 219 Art of Three Faiths
- ART 250 Art of Asia
- ART 340 Art of Prehistory
- ART 349 Art of Egypt and Mesopotamia
- ART 356 Art of Japan
- ART 372C Arts of the Non-Western World: Islamic Art
One of the Following
- ART 304 American Art before 1900
- ART 308 Myths, Saints and Symbols
- ART 350 Classical Art and Archaeology
- ART 351 Medieval Art
- ART 352 Northern Renaissance Art
- ART 353 Early Renaissance Art
- ART 358 Baroque Art
- ART 360 Nineteenth Century Art
- ART 361 Contemporary Art and Theory
- ART 468/ART 568 Contemporary Topics in Visual Art
Total credits: 15.0
What majors pair well with the art history minor?
Explore complementary majors that build upon and tie into the art history minor.
Art and Archaeology, Archaeology Concentration
Archaeological-excavated material is often studied through art historical methods of inquiry. Archaeologists also often train in art historical methods of visual and material analysis in order to hone close-looking, observational skills.
Art and Archaeology, Studio Art Concentration
Studio artists often choose to minor in art history in order to strengthen their understanding of artists' practices and sociopolitical conditions, both contemporary and historical. Studio artists also minor in art history in order to gain exposure to contemporary issues in the art world.
Chemistry
Conservation careers often require advanced coursework in chemistry, art history and studio art.
English
Professional writing about art can be found in art journalism, exhibition and performance reviews, museum publicity, art criticism and art historical research.
French | Spanish
Language and cultural studies often dovetail with history of art and material culture in advanced degree programs.
History
Museums and cultural institutions require expertise in the history of fine art, architecture, decorative arts, material culture and materials. History as a discipline inextricable from history of visual and material expression.
Law and Criminal Justice
Repatriation, restitutions, reparations, wartime looting, inheritance law and ethics play major roles in current museum, gallery and auction house careers. Lawyers often specialize in art, cultural heritage and repatriation. Policing and detective work often require work with art theft.
Program Contact
Associate Professor of Art History