Art History Major

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Making Art Through Mixed Media

The art history major supports students in becoming visual thinkers and visual storytellers. It provides students with the technical aspects of making art through mixed media, digital technologies and installations as well as a working knowledge of historical and contemporary art practices.

Visit the AUC Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective Website

The art history major introduces students to foundational and contemporary global art movements and theories, while integrating the research methods, critical writing and visual analysis skills necessary in studying the history of art and visual culture. Specialized electives led by faculty experts covering diverse periods, geographical locations and topics encourage a deeper engagement with students’ particular areas of interest. Professional development courses and topics are integrated into the curriculum to prepare students for advanced degrees and careers in the visual arts.

Art History Major (49 credits)

Foundational Courses

Students are introduced to art historical movements. (17 credits = 35%)
  • SAVC 141 Art History I: Pyramids to Cathedrals (3 credits)
  • SAVC 142 Art History II: Renaissance to Contemporary (3 credits)
  • SAVC 230 Global Foundations of Modern Art (3 credits)
  • SAVC 243 African American Art (4 credits)
  • SAVC 387 The Art Market (4 credits)

Theory and Writing Courses

Students deepen their writing and research skills. (10 credits)

  • SAVC 255 Writing and Criticism in Art History (3 credits)
  • SAVC238 Art As Social Justice (4 credits)
  • SAVC 320 Art History Methods, Theory and Practice (3 credits)

Elective Courses

Students expand their knowledge of art and art history. (14 credits)

  • Curatorial Studies Elective (3 credits)
  • Art & Visual Culture Elective (4 credits)
  • Art History Elective (4 credits)
  • Art History Elective (writing intensive) (3 credits)

 

Personal Practice and Career Building

Students prepare for a real-world usage of skills. (8 credits)

  • SAVC 375 Entering the Art World: Culture and Context (2 credits)
  • SAVC 480 Art History Thesis (6 credits)
  • SAVC (various) Division of the Arts Seminar (0 credits)

Internships & Directed/Independent Studies

Study Abroad [Global Experience], Internships & Directed/Independent Studies are strongly encouraged.

Common Career Paths

  • Administration
  • Curatorial
  • Preservation and conservation
  • Restoration
  • Registrarial
  • Collections management
  • Exhibit design/Preparation
  • Archive management
  • Education
  • Publications
  • Development/Fundraising
  • Docent coordination
  • Public relations
  • Reproductions and retailing
  • Planner/Coordinator

Alumna Spotlight

Shannon Brogdon Grantham, C'09

Photograph and Paper Conservator Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute

Discover Grantham's Work

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