Is Art History an Art Major?

Art|Art History

Art history is often a misunderstood discipline. It has been argued that it is merely a glorified version of art appreciation, and as such, it cannot be classified as an art major. However, this argument fails to recognize the complexity of the study of art history and its importance within the world of academia.

At its core, art history is a discipline that focuses on the contextual analysis of visual art forms within the context of their historical and cultural environments. This means that students who pursue an art history major not only learn about aesthetic principles and techniques, but also gain a deep understanding of the social and political forces that have shaped various eras in human history. As such, art history serves as an essential tool for gaining insight into various aspects of our shared past.

Moreover, studying art history is not only beneficial for those who wish to pursue a career in the arts; it can also provide invaluable knowledge for those who are interested in other disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, or even philosophy. By understanding how certain pieces of artwork are reflective of their respective cultures and times, students gain a greater understanding about how our world works today.

In conclusion, it can be seen that art history is much more than just an appreciation of aesthetics; it is an important academic field which provides valuable insight into humanity’s collective past while also providing applicable knowledge to other disciplines. Therefore, it can be argued that art history should indeed be classified as an art major.