B.A. in Art History
Students of art history learn about works of art and architecture from around the world and from all historical periods. What is more important, they learn the visual skills to interpret these works, develop the historical, social and political understanding to place these works in context, and the research and writing skills to make their own independent research into the visual world around them.
Art history majors graduate with an understanding of the key periods and artists of the Western tradition, visual literacy, and skills in research and writing. These abilities are valued by many employers, including museums, galleries, antique dealers, corporations with art collections, historic sites such as Plimoth Plantations, the Newport Mansions, and arts organizations. Some art history majors choose to go to graduate school for a Master’s degree, which gives them increased access to the above jobs, as well as teaching art history at the secondary level (usually in private schools). Having a Ph.D. makes it possible to teach at the college or university level and opens up many opportunities in museums. (Students who are considering graduate school should take a second language as one of their cognate requirements.)
Admission Requirements
- Completion of a plan of study approved by assigned advisor.
- Completion of a Declaration of Major Form.
Course Requirements
| Course No. | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 231 | Prehistoric to Renaissance Art | 4 |
| ART 232 | Renaissance to Modern Art | 4 |
| ART 331 | Greek and Roman Art | 3 |
| ART 332 | Renaissance Art | 3 |
| ART 333 | Baroque Art | 3 |
| ART 334 | American Art and Architecture | 3 |
| ART 336 | Nineteenth-Century European Art | 3 |
| ART 337 | Twentieth-Century Art | 3 |
| ART 461 | Seminar in Art History | 3 |
| ART 493 | Reading and Research in Art History | 3 |
Six Additional Credit Hours of Courses from: | ||
| ART 461 | Seminar in Art History (*) | 3 |
| OR | ||
| ART 493 | Reading and Research in Art History (*) | 3 |
Two courses from: | ||
| ART 101 | Drawing I: General Drawing (**) | 4 |
| ART 104 | Design I: Two-Dimensional Design (**) | 4 |
| ART 105 | Drawing II (**) | 3 |
| * may be repeated for credit, with change in topic. | ||
| **Substitutions may be made for Art 101, 104, and 105 with approval of advisor and instructor of the substituted course. | ||
| Cognates | ||
Twelve credit hours of courses in related disciplines, such as history, music, literature, or languages, chosen with advisor's consent. | 12 | |
Total Credit Hours | 57-58 | |
Useful links for art history students at RIC