Art History
Students take broad surveys and focused seminars that cover one or several themes exploring aesthetics, subjects of art, and the producers of art as well as related art theory and criticism.
Major Requirements
A total of 36 hours (at least 12 of which must be numbered 300 or above) including:
- ART 216
- ART 217
- ART 414, 416, or 470
- 3 hours of elective
- 12 hours in foundations, from the following:
- ART 115
- ART 117
- ART 118
- ART 120
- ART 234
- 9 hours in specialization, from the following (not taken above
in art history core):
- ART 250
- ART 302
- ART 375
- ART 416
- ART 440
- ART 470
Minor Requirements
A total of 21 hours including:
- ART 216
- ART 217
- 9 hours in foundations:
- ART 115
- ART 117
- ART 118
- ART 120
- ART 234
- 6 hours in specialization:
- ART 250
- ART 302
- ART 375
- ART 414
- ART 416
- ART 440
- ART 470
Courses Offered
107. Art Appreciation. 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.
216. Survey of World Art I. Survey of the art of world civilizations from primitive and ancient times to 1450 A.D. This course is taught from an international/multicultural perspective with emphasis on art as a creative reflection of society and culture. This course is the first half of a year-long introductory survey of world art which introduces the basic concepts of visual and stylistic analysis and a historical survey of paintings and sculpture in the Western world from prehistoric to medieval times.
217. Survey of World Art II. Survey of the art of world civilizations from 1450 A.D. to the present time. This course is taught from an international/multicultural perspective with emphasis on art as a creative reflection of society and culture. This course is the second half of a year-long introductory survey of world art which introduces the basic concepts of visual and stylistic analysis and a historical survey of paintings and sculpture in the Western world from 1450 to the present day.
250. Art History Methods. This course serves as an introduction 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 and sophomore standing. Interested honors students who do not meet this prerequisite are encouraged to contact Dr. Decker for permission to enter the course.
302. Careers in Art. This course surveys arts professions through lectures, discussions, and site visits to art organizations, galleries, museums, and studios of varying sizes. Students will interact with and explore traditional, performance, and computer-based arts while also furthering their understanding of art historical and curatorial activities.
375. Tutorial Topics. 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.
414. Modern Art History. This course surveys developments in nineteenth and twentieth-century art and architecture. 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. Period covered: 1851-1970.
416. Contemporary Art History. This course surveys developments in late twentieth-century art and architecture. 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. Period covered: 1970-present.
440. Independent Study. The student may select any studio area or art history or art education topic for research or development.
455. Senior Thesis. 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. Prerequisite: Student must pass portfolio review before admission into class. For art history majors, original research must be developed. See Department Chair for further details.
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.
470.Special Topics in Art History. The rotating topics cover one or several themes that explore aesthetics, subjects of art, and the producers of art as well as related art theory and criticism. Topics include: Harlots, Mothers, and Saints: Women and Art; Public Sculpture; the Arts of Asia; Artists’; Books; Spirituality and Experience; Word & Image; and Art Theory & Art Criticism. This course may be repeated. Prerequisite: Art 216 or 217 or permission of the instructor.