Department of Art History

Faculty and Fields of Interest

Memory Holloway (Chairperson) modern and contemporary art

Magali M Carrera (Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies) ancient Mexico and Peru; traditional art of Africa, America, and Oceania

Anna Dempsey modern and contemporary art and architecture, new media, design history

Pamela Karimi Middle Eastern art and architecture

Hallie Meredith ancient art

Thomas Stubblefield 20th and 21st century art, photography and critical theory

Michael D Taylor Professor Emeritus

This faculty’s range of interests is enhanced by those of Lecturers who specialize in many other fields.

Art History is the study of visual objects that express the values of cultures. In addition to works that have been traditionally viewed as art, such as painting, sculpture, architecture, prints, drawings, ceramics, textiles and metalwork; art history also embraces urban planning, cinema, animation, design, photography, computer-based imaging and many other creative and professional fields. UMass Dartmouth’s Department of Art History introduces students to a wide array of art objects and explores ways of understanding them. Art history students learn how to treat non-verbal objects as evidence, how to use scholarly publications, and how to explain their findings and insights. The goal is to develop advanced critical thinking skills and to prepare for entry into a range of academic and professional occupations. Art History graduates have continued their studies in graduate programs and academic positions; entered professions associated with museums, galleries and historical societies; and become librarians. The field also provides a rigorous education that prepares students for employment outside the profession.

Requirements for Admission

All applicants must follow UMass Dartmouth’s admissions procedures as defined in the University Catalog.

Computer Requirements

The Department of Art History requires majors to have a laptop computer by the beginning of the Sophomore year. For specifications, go to: Art History.

Art History Minor

An Art History Minor allows students majoring in other areas to pursue Art History beyond the introductory level and be recognized by the university.

Film and Media Studies Minor

The Film and Media Studies Minor investigates the historical contexts, theoretical perspectives and social and political questions surrounding film, photography, animation and new media. The curriculum forges connections between these emerging media and a larger history of representation which includes painting, sculpture, architecture, installation and performance art. While the methodologies of art history provide a critical backdrop, this initiative is focused on the transformations in everyday life, artistic possibilities and socio-political effects of “new media”.

Learning Outcomes in Art History

Students with a degree in Art History will be able to:

Demonstrate the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to engage with an increasingly visual culture.
Apply the concepts, terminology and theoretical perspectives of art history, visual studies and film and media studies to a diverse set of visual artifacts.
Articulate the relationship between visual artifacts and their stylistic and cultural contexts.
Design and implement exhibitions using contemporary curatorial theories and methods.
Apply knowledge in the broader community through meaningful partnerships.
Formulate and pursue research questions using scholarly methods and sources.
Form cogent, well-researched arguments in written and verbal form.

In addition, the university is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), widely recognized as the preeminent accrediting body in the field. NASAD sets parameters for the study of Art History for both undergraduate majors and students in the visual arts.

Students’ progress toward these outcomes is monitored by individually-maintained portfolios as well as through traditional means.

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