May 20, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate 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:  2.3

Minimum number of credits to complete the major:  52

 

School: School of Arts and Sciences

Department: Visual and Performing Arts

Learn more about the program

 

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 major 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.

Major Requirements


As an Art and Art History major, you must complete a minimum of thirteen courses (52 credits), which includes a senior seminar thesis project. The Art and Art History major 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. Only three courses may be double-counted between the Art and Art History major and the Graphic Design major. However, one additional course must be taken due to the third overlapping course.

Studio Arts Concentration


The concentration requires the completion of six courses: five Studio Arts courses and one Art History course.

Choose five courses from the following, including at least two of which are at the 2000 level and one of which is at the 3000 level. A Directed Study may be substituted for a 3000 level course.

Art History Concentration


The concentration requires the completion of six courses: five Art History courses and one Studio Arts course.

Choose five courses from the following, including at least two of which are at the 2000 level and one of which is at the 3000 level. A Directed Study may be substituted for a 3000 level course.

Professional Course


Choose one course from the following:

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 for Career Development 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.

Choose one course from the following:

Senior Courses


Complete the following two required courses:

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