Art History

Courses in art history cover the traditional Western canon, as well as specialized courses in contemporary Afro-Atlantic and African American art, art and social justice, curatorial studies, and arts and markets.

Overview

Whatever motivation might bring a student into the Jones Visual Arts Center, an appreciation for the enduring values of art provides solid support for the life of any educated and inquisitive person. Members of the art program believe that an understanding of various forms of the visual arts—both traditional and innovative—enhances our experience and enjoyment of our surroundings, especially its aesthetic aspects, and that art can provide greater meaning to the lives of those seeking to come to terms with it.

Your Major Took You Where?

Art History majors have gone on to a variety of graduate programs and careers.

Employers and Professions

First City Art Center
Edelweiss Lodge & Resort (Germany)
Teach for America

Postgraduate Study

Sotheby’s Institute of Art
University of North Carolina

Curriculum

Centre’s art curriculum accommodates those who want to begin a career in visual art and those who just want to try a course or two. Six courses are available as introductory classes for non-majors: Survey of Western Art, Drawing, Hot Glass, Ceramics, Introduction to Photography, and Introduction to Moving Image. As seniors, the capstone project for art history majors includes writing a paper and giving a public lecture on a research topic of their choice.

Major Requirements

Minor Requirements

Experiential Learning

Students engage in hands-on learning experiences and reflection to develop skills and increase knowledge retention.

Faculty often accompany students to view historical art locally, nationally and abroad. Work with faculty and visiting artists to curate and develop exhibitions. Students who study abroad in England, France, and Mexico, can take classes in art history and have access to some of the world’s greatest museums and historical sites.

Internships

We're committed to helping students find quality internship experiences in the career area of their choice.

Students have interned at Manifest Gallery and Drawing Center (Cincinnati), Glassbrook (Louisville), San Antonio Museum of Art, and Historic Preservation Society of New Orleans.

Careers

Our extraordinary liberal arts and sciences education prepares students for meaningful lives and careers.

Our students have gone on to become architects, art dealers, professional artists, marketing, museum curators, fashion designers, museum administrators, and scholars of art history. Centre has helped many students embark on these careers, while others have gone on to work as architects, designers, and government policymakers in the arts.