BA in Art History The BA program within History of Art and Design affords a deeper grounding in the philosophy, literature, and criticism of the history of art and design. Students take specifically designed foundation courses, including the art history survey classes. They continue with an additional 42 credits in the History of Art and Design, 57 in Liberal Arts (English, Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences, and Foreign Language), 19 in Studio, and 14 as free electives (132 total credits). Art History majors are strongly advised to take courses in all areas and to have a seminar experience. Undergraduate majors may be admitted to 600–level (graduate) HA and HD courses with the permission of the professor and the chairperson. Download current course listings. In general, majors will be advised to select studio electives in a variety of media, including photography. Students entering with an Advanced Placement score of four or five in art history may apply for exemption from the first semester survey and are allowed to substitute an elective in the survey area for second semester of survey. Entering freshman who have done well in a full-year art history survey course (but did not get a four or five score or did not take AP art history) may also apply to the chairperson of the History of Art and Design Department to substitute upper-level electives in each survey area for the required courses. Mission Statement The mission of undergraduate studies in the History of Art and Design Department is to provide students with the experience of a curriculum in an institution focused on the convergence of art theory and practice in the rich blending of studio, gallery and classroom. Through comprehensive study of global art and design within historical and cultural contexts and research and scholarship in specialized areas, students develop a critical understanding of the field as well as research and analytical skills. The goal of the undergraduate degree is to prepare students for entering diverse fields in art and cultural institutions or continue their studies at the graduate level. With the required study of art from the Prehistoric era to the contemporary, undergraduate students have a comprehensive background that is the basis for further inquiry at an advanced level.

Learning Outcomes Undergraduates are competent in a broad range of knowledge in the history of cultures and their art. Undergraduates understand that the meaning of works of art is connected to changes in social, political, and economic contexts through time. Undergraduates will be able to demonstrate the necessary writing skills to analytically observe and describe works of art and the research skills to place art in its social context. Undergraduates in the BA degree will be familiar with a foreign language after four semesters of study. Undergraduates will have gained a solid foundation that enables them to successfully apply for study in the discipline at the graduate level.