Planning Your Major

Welcome to the art history major!  Here are some suggestions to help make your art history experience as productive and stimulating as possible.  We encourage you to explore widely, challenge yourself, and talk with your advisor, professors, and fellow majors about the many opportunities available to you.

Planning your requirements

AH100: Survey of Western Art.  This course functions as the foundation forthe major and a prerequisite for many other art history courses.  It is generally offered onlyspring semester; you should take it preferably your first or second year. Students may receive AP (Advanced Placement) credit in art history. A score of 4 or 5 earns the student four college credits. It is the department's policy that the AP credits can substitute for AH100 and may be applied toward a major or minor in art history. A score of 5 will automatically receive this credit; a score of 4 requires consultation with the Chair before it is approved.

AH221: Practices of Art History.  This introduction to the history and methods of the discipline and will strengthen your work in allart history courses.  It is generally offered only fall semester; we advise you take it as soon as possible, preferably sophomoreyear.

AH2XX: Writing Art History. In Process.

AH375: Seminar.  This advanced course focuses on different topics each semester and typically includes individualized research, oral presentation, and a substantive writing.  You will be best prepared for this experience if you are a junior or senior and have taken both AH221 and AH2XX.  If you are not sure whether the timing is right, consult your advisor or the instructor.

AH380: Capstone.  This one-credit course for seniors, offered in the spring, includes the preparation of your required portfolio.

Enriching your experience

Pursuing opportunities beyond the major requirements will help you deepen your understanding of art history, develop valuable skills, explore possible career paths, and prepare for the possibility of graduate study.  Browse our 'Meet the majors' page to discover the many ways in which other students have shaped their learning experiences.

Language study. Because advanced research in any aspect of art history requires foreign languages we highly recommend language study beyond the all-College requirement.  If you are considering pursuing graduate study, you should seriously consider taking German as well as one other language, generally French or Italian.  You may also wish to take language classes in your area of interest (Chinese, for example).

Interdisciplinary connections.  Art history is an interdisciplinary field, and your studies will be further enriched through coursework in related fields such as literature, history, philosophy, anthropology, and religion.  When planning your schedule, try to choose courses in other departments or programs that might complement courses that you have taken, or plan to take, in art history.

Independent study (AH371, 372).  Independent studies allow students, usually with course experience in the period or theme, to explore topics of special interest that are not addressed in regular course offerings.  This opportunity is a privilege for exceptionally motivated students who work well independently and involves special responsibilities for you and your faculty sponsor.  Be sure to plan well in advance and approach your prospective sponsor with a thoughtful proposal for a specific topic.