Art History – A Bridge Between Science and the Humanities

Art History is both a scientific and humanistic discipline that examines art as a form of documentation within the broad spectrum of human experience. Studying art history involves the evaluation, analysis, and interpretation of aesthetic objects by exploring materials and techniques used, the time and place of creation, the meaning or function of the artwork, the artist’s biography, the cultural or social origins of the piece, and other related interpretive frameworks.

This program is taught through the Department of Art, Design, and Art History, part of the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts. For further information, please refer to the Schools and Departments section of this catalog.

Learning Outcomes – B.A. in Art History and Criticism

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Art History and Criticism, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate foundational knowledge of art historical facts and terminology by effectively applying technical terms and factual information in critical discussions of artworks.

• Understand the religious, intellectual, political, social, and cultural contexts in which artworks and architecture were created, and how these contexts influenced the form and development of the works.

• Recognize the cyclical nature of art history by identifying similarities and differences among works from various periods and cultures.

• Identify and apply various art historical methodologies—such as formal and stylistic analysis, iconography, social history, and other interpretive and critical approaches—in both oral and written forms.

• Utilize art historical research methods, including the use of various technologies and the ability to distinguish and critically evaluate different sources and types of evidence.

• Communicate effectively about art through written essays and oral presentations, employing complex analytical strategies expressed with clarity, precision, and academic rigor, while also incorporating multimedia tools where appropriate.

• Complete a senior thesis or capstone project, demonstrating mastery of the above skills through the execution of original art historical research, integrating appropriate sources and presenting a unique, well-argued interpretation of an artwork or art historical issue.