Art History

Mission

The Art History program is designed for students interested in developing foundational skills and sensibilities while exploring art of the earliest times to the present across geographies and thematic areas. Offering individual attention and advisement, it guides learners through the practice of observation, discussion, reading, research and writing, all of which can be applied across fields, in and beyond art. Students learn analytical techniques studying form, style and aesthetics, as well as the social, political and material conditions of art. After completing the introductory sequence of prerequisites for advanced art history courses (FA 105 and FA 106), students select from a variety of seminar-style course offerings. With the completion of nine credits (3 courses), they may take special studies seminars to pursue individual projects developed with the Art History program coordinator. The program adapts to student ambitions and aspirations, preparing its graduates for futures of creative inquiry in art or other areas of interest, including graduate study and professional work. All students are encouraged to complete an internship and are prepared to apply for the CUNY Cultural Corps paid internship program.

Goals

• Develop a broad knowledge of art histories around the world with exposure to a special area of study demonstrated in exams, writing and/or discussion.

• Apply learned techniques to write formal scholarly essays, curatorial statements and informed position pieces.

• Use skills developed to articulate ideas clearly and accessibly in illustrated oral presentations and group discussions, demonstrating awareness of the importance of art as social practice and community-building activity that serves the common good.