The Art History minor consists of 21 credits of Art History coursework, including ART 329 (World Art I), ART 330 (World Art II), and an additional 15 credits of elective Art History courses. This minor is recommended for students seeking to complement a major in the performing arts, history, literature, or foreign languages. More generally, the minor is recommended for any student who wishes to develop new skills and enrich their lives in relation to great art and architecture, from a variety of cultures from the past and the present.
Art & Design (BA, BFA) Minor in Art History
Art History Minor Requirements (6 Credits)
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An introduction to ancient and medieval art history through the chronological study of key works of visual culture throughout the world, from cave paintings to European cathedrals and Middle Eastern mosques, from the Venus de Milo to the Seated Buddha, and from Egyptian and Maya pyramids to Buddhist stupas. Emphasis will be placed on the shift from prehistoric societies to urban cultures, the rapid development of technical and aesthetic expertise expressed in local traditions, and the emergence of the world’s religions and their impact upon art.
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An introduction to early-modern and modern art history through the chronological study of key works of visual culture from throughout the world since 1400. The course will range from Mona Lisa to Japanese anime, from the Taj Mahal to Gauguin in Tahiti, and from contemporary films and videos to the art being made in the U.S. by African-Americans and by Iranian, Cuban and Puerto Rican immigrants. Emphasis will be placed on the historical rise and dominance of the West beginning in the Renaissance, concurrent with the flowering of the Aztec and Inca cultures, the Ottoman empire and the Ming Dynasty, the artistic influences exchanged back and forth in the West’s interactions with Africa and Asia, and the emergence of new visual media in the modern world and the growth of artistic multiculturalism. (ART 329 is not a prerequisite)
Art History Minor Electives (15 Credits)
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An introduction to the study of art using examples from prehistory to the contemporary world. The course will emphasize how to analyze art critically by introducing the student to the foundations of visual form, such as color theory, perspective, the various media, etc. It will also serve as an introduction to the methods and practice of art history as a discipline, in order to understand historical art and architecture. The course is designed to create a foundation for intermediate and advanced art history courses.
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The chronological study of Western art from the Renaissance period through the nineteenth century to modern and postmodern art. Emphasis upon stylistic and technical developments within the historical and cultural setting. (ART 319 is not a prerequisite)
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Romanesque and Gothic art and architecture, at the height of the Middle Ages. The cathedral as the dominant artistic and cultural expression of the era will be stressed, plus the art and architecture of chivalry, the castle, the monastery, and the innovations of the Late Gothic period.
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Art and architecture of the Renaissance in relation to the political and social structures of the 15th and 16th centuries. Emphasis upon the Italian Renaissance, with Northern Renaissance art also covered.
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European art and architecture from 1600-1700, during the Baroque era. Emphasis upon the achievements of Rembrandt, Vermeer, Caravaggio, Bernini, Rubens and Velazquez, in relation to social and intellectual developments, plus the innovations in architecture and the dominance of Versailles.
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Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, and Post-Impressionism in European art studied in relation to social and intellectual developments.
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Art and architecture in Europe and America from Fauvism and Cubism at the beginning of the century to Postmodernism at the end. The multiculturalism of recent art will be emphasized.
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Examination of mixed media painting, sculpture, craft, installation and performance art, and architecture, from 1960 to the present.
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An introduction to digital camera operation, to include manipulation of shutterspeeds and apertures as well as basic computer techniques. Emphasis is placed upon technical, aesthetic and historical perspectives of the medium of photography and digital photography as a fine art. Digital camera required (minimum of 4 Mega Pixels with shutterspeed and aperture priority options).
For non-majors only. Prerequisite: CS 180 or equivalent. (Special fee) -
Integration of the stylistic and technical developments in the history of photography, cinema and painting from 1839 to the present. Emphasis upon the interrelationship of aesthetic movements and cross-fertilizing influence of the different media. Analysis of classic movies as representative examples from film history.