Department of Art History

Faculty and Fields of Interest

Michael D Taylor (Chairperson) medieval and renaissance 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

Memory Holloway modern and contemporary art

Pamela Karimi middle eastern art and architecture

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

Lasse B Antonsen (Gallery Director) modern and contemporary art

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 regarding this extraordinary and engaging subject 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 Catalogue.

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. See below for additional details.

Learning Outcomes in Art History

Student learning in Art History is documented by faculty review of written artifacts, and proficiency of graduates is measured in relation to the following seven criteria:

Use of vocabulary characteristic of the field
Application of formal analysis to visual artifacts
Placement of major works of art in their proper stylistic contexts
Articulation of the relationship between works of art and the cultural contexts in which they originated
Understanding of the broad currents of theoretical perspectives which are characteristic of art history
Knowledge of methods and sources necessary for research in the field
Research using appropriate scholarly resources

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.