Art History
Students take broad survey and focused seminars that cover topics such as aesthetics, subjects of art, and the producers of art as well as related art theory, criticism, and public art.
Major Requirements
A total of 36 hours (at least 12 of which must be numbered 300 or above) including:
Studio Foundations (12 hours chosen from the following)
- ART 115 Drawing
- ART 117 Design Basics and Color
- ART 118 Intro to 3-D Design and Ceramics
- ART 120 Photography
- ART 234 Survey of Computer Art Applications
Art History Foundations (9 hours)
- ART 216 Survey of Art History I
- ART 217 Survey of Art History II and
- ART 414 Modern Art History, ART 416 Contemporary Art History, or ART 470 Special Topics in Art History
Art History Emphasis (9 hours chosen from the following, not taken above in art history core)
- ART 250 Art History Methods
- ART 302 Curatorial Studies
- ART 375 Oxford Tutorial
- ART 416 Contemporary Art History
- ART 470 Special Topics in Art History
Electives (3 Hours)
Senior Thesis (3 hours)
Minor Requirements
A total of 21 hours including:
Studio Foundations (9 hours chosen from the following)
- ART 115 Drawing
- ART 117 Design Basics and Color
- ART 118 Intro to 3-D Design and Ceramics
- ART 120 Photography
- ART 234 Survey of Computer Art Applications
Art History Foundations (6 hours)
- ART 216 Survey of Art History I
- ART 217 Survey of Art History II
Art History Emphasis (6 hours chosen from the following)
- ART 250 Art History Methods
- ART 302 Curatorial Studies
- ART 375 Oxford Tutorial
- ART 416 Contemporary Art History
- ART 470 Special Topics in Art History
Courses Offered
107. Art Appreciation. (2 hours) An introduction to the study of art styles, media and concepts using examples from various world cultures as well as Western civilization. This class is designed for non-art majors. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Fall and Spring
216. Survey of Art History I. (3 hours) Art 216 is the first half of a year-long introductory survey of art history which introduces the basic concepts of visual and stylistic analysis and a historical survey of paintings, sculpture, architecture and other art forms from prehistoric and ancient cultures to circa 1450 CE. The course is taught from Western perspective with at least 25 % content from beyond the Western tradition. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Fall
217. Survey of Art History II. (3 hours) Art 217 is the second half of a year-long introductory survey of art history which introduces the basic concepts of visual and stylistic analysis and a historical survey of paintings, sculpture, architecture, and other art forms from 1450 CE to the present day. The course is taught from Western perspective with at least 25% content from beyond the Western tradition. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Spring
250. Art History Methods. (3 hours) This course serves as an ntroduction to the concepts, methods, and issues in art history and art criticism. Students will explore several art historical methods before intensively examining a work or series of works first hand. In consultation with instructor, students may choose to research a work(s) of art in the GC Archives, Permanent Collection, or Jacobs Gallery. Prerequisite: one course in art history or sophomore standing. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Spring
302. Curatorial Studies. (3 hours) This course is experience based. Students engage in individual and group projects that further their understanding of art historical and curatorial activities in addition to collections care and management. Students learn the basics of art handling, condition reporting, and the professional responsibilities of the curator. Students work closely with faculty, the Director of Art Galleries, and the College Archivist to explore issues relating to the planning, design, and installation of exhibitions. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Fall
313. Art Education. (2 or 3 hours) The creative process and its educational value, unique to the visual arts, are emphasized in this course. The course includes some of the history of art education, its psychology and philosophy which are basic to understanding art education as well as studio art activities for the classroom. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Fall and Spring
375. Tutorial Topics. (3 hours) The study of a special topic in art history or art theory using one-on-one tutorial method of instruction adapted from humanities courses at Oxford University. Required as preparation for students interested in pursuing study through the Oxford Program at Georgetown College. Please consult art department chair for current offerings. Prerequisite: one course in art and permission of the instructor. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. As needed
414. Modern Art History. (3 hours) This course surveys developments in nineteenth and twentieth-century art and architecture, beginning with the Crystal Palace Exhibition of 1851 and concluding around 1970, with the advent of color-field painting and minimalism. Particular emphasis is placed on theoretical and critical issues in addition to the historical, intellectual, and socioeconomic changes that are reflected or addressed in the works of artists and architects. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Prerequisite: ART 216 or 217 or permission of instructor. Fall
416. Contemporary Art History. (3 hours) This course is a continuation of issues and ideas of art history and criticism presented in ART 414 Modern Art History. In ART 416, students survey developments in twentieth and twenty-first-century art and architecture (1970-present). Particular emphasis is placed on theoretical and critical issues in addition to the historical, intellectual, and socioeconomic changes that are reflected or addressed in the works of artists and architects. Prerequisite: one course in art history or permission of the instructor. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Spring
440. Independent Study. (3 hours) The student may select any studio area or art history or art education topic for research or development. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. As needed
455. Senior Thesis. (3 hours) Each senior art major is required to develop and complete a body of work which is a culmination of the investigation and inquiry relevant to his/her study. This course will focus on work leading to the Senior Exhibition. A supporting paper, artist’s statement and professional documentation, and an oral defense are required. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Prerequisite: Student must pass portfolio review before admission into class. Fall and Spring
461. Internship in Visual Arts. Supervised professional experience in an ad agency, business, studio, gallery or institution as a means of preparing the student for a career goal or further studies in the visual arts. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. As Needed
470. Special Topics in Art History. The rotating topics cover one or several themes that explore aesthetics, subjects of art, the producers of art, art theory, and criticism. Topics include: Harlots, Mothers, and Saints: Women and Art; Public Art; Public Sculpture; The End of Impressionism; The History of the Museum; Art Theory and Art Criticism. This course may be repeated. Prerequisite: Art 216 or 217 or permission of the instructor. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Spring