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Overview

Abstract Expressionism or Post Impressionism? Surrealism or Dadaism? What's the difference? In addition to knowing answers to questions such as these, art history majors study both the history and aesthetic ideology that goes into a work of visual art. Whether it's painting, photography, architecture, film, sculpture, or multi-media projects, art historians are responsible for helping us to interpret work in these media.

Part historian, part cultural critic, Art History majors help define a work of art by placing it into its proper historical context. They examine the layers of influences that go into the making of a piece of art, including the social, political, and personal forces underlying an artist's development. With each new artistic movement, with each new artist, comes a new way of seeing and interpreting the world. Through the art historian's critical lens, our own ability to share in the artist's insight and vision is enhanced.

As an Art History major you will also have the opportunity to cultivate your knowledge of a foreign language, related liberal arts majors, and, if you're interested, explore your own artistic inclinations through studio art courses.