Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Art and Art History, B.A.


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Minimum number of credits required to graduate:  124

Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate:  2.0

Minimum number of credits to complete the major:  52

 

Art and Art History Major

As an Art and Art History major, you will investigate the arts through the dual lenses of studio art and art history. Your studies will combine academic research, creative practice, craft-based skills and techniques, as well as communal and experiential learning. You will learn to sharpen your critical-thinking abilities, master a wide-range of artmaking skills and techniques, and embody an in-depth understanding of the historical and contemporary artworld. After taking a broad range of foundational studio art and art history courses, you will  tailor your degrees by selecting a concentration track in either Studio Arts or Art History. 

The Art and Art History Program establishes the intrinsic connection between the art historian and the practicing studio artist. The program seeks to graduate well-rounded citizen artists and historians, who have a keen understanding of both the art world and the larger contextual society in which it operates. The program emphasizes a post-structuralist, multi-channeled approach to exploring all aspects of the historical and contemporary artworld, and champions research, creativity, innovation, sustainable and ethical practices, and collaboration and community. 

Through small class sizes that guarantee in-depth, personal mentorship from the Art and Art History faculty, and a curriculum designed to allow specialization, you will be able to tailor your major to your specific interests, taking advantage of directed studies, art-focused study abroad programs, and professional internships in regional art galleries and museums.

In the Art and Art History program, you’ll learn to:

  • Have a deep understanding of the breadth and complexity of the history of the field of art, and understand how the arts have been, and continue to be, a driving influencer on human history, society, and the economy. 

  • Understand and grapple with the intensely personal nature of creative practice and analysis of artistic culture.

  • Possess the practical skills and experience to conceive, craft, and create well-constructed artworks, academic essays, and theses. 

  • Gain the knowledge and skill set to effectively establish, develop, and sustain a professional creative practice. 

  • Understand how to implement the creative process (generative thinking, iterative thinking, brainstorming, mind mapping etc.) within their own artworks, research, writing, and individualized professional goals. 

  • Possess the knowledge and experience to analyze and interpret, through both verbal and written assessment, the formal and theoretical elements of art, art history, design, art theory, and the art world at large.

Major Requirements


As an Art and Art History major, you must complete a minimum of 52 credits (13 courses), including a professional internship, as well as senior seminar with thesis. The Art and Art History program will establish not only a strong foundation and overview of the field of art, but also allow you to specialize your unique interests and education through one of two major concentrations: Studio Arts or Art History.

Studio Arts Concentration


Choose five studio arts elective courses that include at least two 2000 level courses and one 3000 level course. A Directed Study may be substituted for a 3000 level course. Choose courses, including but not limited to the following:

Art History Concentration


Choose five art history elective courses that include at least two 2000 level courses and one 3000 level course. A Directed Study may be substituted for a 3000 level course. Choose courses, including but not limited to the following:

Professional Course (choose one)


Internship


As an Art and Art History major it is important to have professional experience before you graduate. In your junior or senior year, you will work with the O’Brien Center to secure an internship. With the studio arts concentration, you can choose a professional internship with either a professional artist’s studio, a fabrication/artist craftsperson, artistic production company, or some other interesting creative art-making position. With the art history concentration, you might find an internship at a gallery, museum, auction house, or art conservation company.

Senior Courses


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