Oct 04, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Art History Major


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BA Degree

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 Art History Program 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

CVPA requires majors to have a laptop computer by the beginning of their first year. For specifications, go to: Computer Requirements.

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

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.

Requirements


All students take the following Art History courses:


All students complete 33 additional credits of Art History courses including:


  • One Art History course in a non-western area - Credits: 3

All students complete


  • One courses in studio art - Credits: 3

Distribution/University Studies Requirements


Students are subject to the institution’s University Studies requirement and in addition must meet the distribution requirements as outlined here:

  • English 101 and 102 -Credits: 6
  • Literature - Credits: 6
  • History (preferably HST 104 plus one other) - Credits: 6
  • A foreign language through the intermediate level (202) - Credits: 12
  • Science, 3 credits from each area (The Natural World and The Engaged Community) - Credits: 6
  • Mathematics -  Credits: 3
  • The Social World, 3 credits from each area (Human Questions and Contexts, The Nature of US Society, and The Nature of the Global Society–preferably HST 103) - Credits: 9
  • Social Science electives (ANT, ECO, PSC, PSY, SOC, WMS) - Credits: 6
  • Free electives - Credits: 21

 

Total Credits: 120


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