Art History
Department of Art and Art History
Mark Rhodes, Chair
Professor Addiss
Associate Professors Denton, Rhodes, Sjovold, Softic'
Assistant Professors Calvillo, Drummond, Pevny
Executive Director of the University Museums Waller
Professionals from the fields in art are also employed as adjunct faculty members.
The Department of Art and Art History offers programs in the studio arts, Western and non-Western art history, and museum studies. In the Modlin Center for the Arts, students work in an environment where they can develop their intellectual and creative abilities to the fullest potential. In addition to a rigorous and stimulating curriculum, students also participate in the activities of the University Museums. The museums present exhibitions of both historical and contemporary art with related lectures, workshops, and symposia with visiting artists, critics, and art historians. A study abroad program allows students to study art and art history in approved programs under the direction of the Office of International Education. Because majors are required to develop a senior project, it is recommended that prospective majors consult with the department early to allow adequate time for planning.
The Art History Major
Note: A grade of not less than C (2.0) is required in each course comprising the major.
9 units, including
ART 221 Survey I: Prehistory through the Middle Ages
ART 222 Survey II: Renaissance to the Present
Three 300-level courses in Western art history, including ART 319 Advanced Seminar, in the following fields
- Late Antique and Medieval art
- Renaissance and Baroque art
- The history of art after 1700
One non-Western art history course
One studio art course
ART 365 Art Theories and Methodologies
ART 466 Thesis: Research Project
Students prepare their bibliography and thesis proposal to present to the art faculty at the end of the fall semester; thesis is completed during the spring semester.
Majors should take ART 221-222 before enrolling in 300-level art history courses. Independent studies cannot be substituted for required courses in the art history major.
In addition to the above, the following are strongly recommended to supplement the major:
ART 388 Individual Internship
CLSC 301 Greek Art and Archeology
CLSC 302 Roman Art and Archeology
PHIL 281 Philosophy of Art
RELG 251 Sacred Arts of India
Note: These courses cannot be substituted for major requirements, which must be fulfilled through art history department offerings.
Honors Program in Art History
Majors are encouraged to apply for and pursue the honors program in art history. To earn honors in art history, a student must complete at least three units of honors credit with distinction through a combination of upper-level courses including ART 365-466; the program must be planned in consultation with the student's major advisor and the department. Honors students also must maintain an overall GPA of no less than 3.30 and a 3.50 in the major, and receive a 3.70 on the thesis.
The Art History Minor
Note: A grade of not less than C (2.0) is required in each course comprising the minor.
6 units, including
ART 221 Survey I: Prehistory through the Middle Ages
ART 222 Survey II: Renaissance to the Present
One art history elective at any level
Two art history electives at the 300 level
One studio art course
Related Fields
Interdisciplinary concentration in arts management for studio art, art history, music, theatre, and dance majors or minors
Interdisciplinary concentration in Medieval and Renaissance studies for art history majors
Courses
ART
212 Introduction to Asian Art
Introductory survey of the arts of India, China, Korea, and Japan in historical and cultural context.
Unit(s): 1
ART
221 Survey I: Prehistory through the Middle Ages
Survey of Western art, with some attention given to non-Western art, from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages. Intended as introductory course for general student as well as art majors and minors. 221 and 222 may be taken independently and in any sequence.
Unit(s): 1
ART
222 Survey II: Renaissance to the Present
Historical and analytical study of representative major works of art from Renaissance to the present for general student and art major.
Unit(s): 1
ART
226 Art and Culture of Japan
Introduction to art and culture of Japan stressing interconnections between art, literature, and historical developments.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
ART
279 Selected Topics
Examples include African art, history of architecture, and other specialized topics. May be repeated for credit if topics differ.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
ART
282 Values in World Film
Study of films from around the world centering on major themes, with focus on differing cultural values and film art and techniques.
Unit(s): 1
ART
309 Image and Icon in Medieval Art
Focuses on role of the panel painted image in Medieval world. Explores the conventions, aesthetics, and ideology of Medieval images, as well as their production, use and restoration. Provides introduction to techniques of medieval panel painting, and asks students to try their hand at the creative process.
Unit(s): 1
ART
310 Late Antique and Early Christian Art
Surveys artistic developments in the Mediterranean basin from the first to eighth centuries. Concerned with continuities as well as changes and innovations in visual culture associated with the rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire.
Unit(s): 1
ART
311 Medieval Byzantine Art, 600-1453
Focuses on art and architecture created in the eastern Mediterranean between the seventh century and the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Explores cultural dialogue among the Byzantine Empire and its Western European, Eastern European, and Islamic neighbors.
Unit(s): 1
ART
312 Medieval Art in Western Europe, 8th-15th Centuries
Surveys the rich and varied production of visual culture in Western Europe from early Middle Ages to beginning of the Renaissance. Considers the changing visual experiences associated with the Early Medieval, Carolingian, Ottonian, Romanesque, and Gothic periods.
Unit(s): 1
ART
313 Art of the United States
Art and architecture from 1800 to 1900. Examined in relation to cultural, political and social contexts of 19th-century America.
Unit(s): 1
ART
314 Northern Renaissance Art
Fifteenth- and 16th-century Northern Renaissance art from Van Eyck to Bruegel.
Unit(s): 1
ART
315 Art of the Italian Renaissance
A survey of Italian painting, sculpture, and architecture between 1250 and 1500, with emphasis on the historical context of particular objects or monuments. Students will examine primary sources whenever possible and consider issues related to the systems of patronage, spirituality, intellectual life, and art criticism of the period.
Unit(s): 1
ART
316 Art in the Age of Reform
Beginning with the Italian High Renaissance and ending with baroque art in early 17th-century Europe, this course considers artistic production during a period of religious, political, and cultural crisis. Lectures, readings, and discussions evaluate the agents, ideas, and circumstances that brought about the stylistic developments of mannerist and early baroque art.
Unit(s): 1
ART
317 Nineteenth-Century Art
Major art trends during the 19th century in Europe. Special attention given to representation of women in art and women artists.
Unit(s): 1
ART
318 Twentieth-Century Art
Major movements and developments of modern art in Europe and America. Examination of theoretical bases of modern art, concepts of avant-garde, and consideration of public's relationship to modern art.
Unit(s): 1
ART
319 Advanced Seminar
Highly focused in-depth studies on topics of art history related to departmental course offerings. Topics to be chosen by instructor. Representative topics: Zen art, contemporary art, Surrealism, women artists. May be repeated for credit if topic differs.
Prerequisite(s): 300-level art history course in the area of the seminar or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
ART
322 Museum Studies
History, philosophy, functions, and future of museums; collection research, evaluation, publications, and museum procedures and education.
Prerequisite(s): 200-level art history course or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
ART
323 Studies in the History of Photography
Combines study of the photograph and its interpretation with consideration of technical developments.
Unit(s): 1
ART
324 Art Histories
Courses in areas of art history at a 300-level not covered in regular departmental offerings. May be repeated for credit if topic differs.
Unit(s): 1
ART
345 Philanthropy in the Arts
(See Music 345; same as Theatre 345.)
Prerequisite(s): Art 322 or permission of the instructor.
Unit(s): 1
ART
365 Art Theories and Methodologies
Study of theoretical approaches and methods used in discipline of art history. Required for art history majors, recommended before the senior year.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor required for non-art history majors.
Unit(s): 1
ART
378 Topics in Asian Art
Examples include Japanese prints, painting, ceramics, Buddhist art, and Chinese calligraphy. May be repeated for credit if topic differs.
Unit(s): 1
ART
383 East Asian Painting, Poetry and Calligraphy
Intense study of how the three arts of painting, poetry, and calligraphy, practiced with the same materials of brush and ink, have been integrated for more than a millennium as "scholar arts" in East Asia, with both historical study and actual practice for students.
Unit(s): 1
ART
388 Individual Internship
Supervised work experience at approved museum, gallery or other art institutions. May be repeated for credit at a different institution. No more than 1.5 units of internship in any one department and 3.5 units of internship overall may be counted toward required degree units.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Unit(s): .25-1
ART
395 Independent Study
Individually designed program under faculty supervision. Independent studies cannot be substituted for required courses in the art history major.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Unit(s): .25-1
ART
466 Thesis: Research Project
Required for art history majors in their senior year.
Prerequisite(s): Art History 365.
Unit(s): 1
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