Art, Art History Specialization, B.A.

Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the undergraduate program in art history will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of major monuments and artists in their specific cultural-historical context and apply that knowledge to specific art historical problems (e.g., what makes a work of art meaningful or worthy of study).

   a. Identify major works of art and architecture in specific art historical periods.

   b. Analyze works of art with due consideration to their content, style, composition and facture.

   c. Analyze works of art or artistic practices in light of the specific set of cultural values, socio-historical conditions, or in light of theoretical approaches (e.g., religious beliefs, issues of cultural identity, social status of artists, art consumption practices, feminist theory etc.).

   d. Identify key scholars and their work and recognize various theoretical approaches to art historical studies (e.g., formal analysis, iconology, social history, feminist approaches, etc.).

2. Demonstrate sound research, intellectual analysis of source material, critical thinking, and effective writing and speaking skills.

   a. Gather information and discriminate between significant and insignificant information found

   while researching.

   b. Negotiate conflicting information and interpretations.

   c. Draw logical conclusions from research sources, and organize them in a coherent, properly documented manner.

   d. Write well and effectively, using language appropriate to the discipline.

   e. Present research in a public forum using appropriately chosen and paced visual material.