What Classes Do Art History Majors Take?

Art|Art History

Art History majors learn the history, theory, and criticism of visual arts and culture. They study art in its various forms such as painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, and digital media. Art history majors develop a deep understanding of how art has evolved over time, the influences behind it, and how it has shaped cultures around the world.

Classes for an Art History major are varied and can include courses on historical and contemporary art movements such as Impressionism, Cubism, and Postmodernism. Students also learn about a variety of artistic media such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, video art, ceramics, glasswork, installation art, performance art and digital media.

In addition to traditional studio classes in drawing and painting or sculpture students will take classes in color theory or composition. They might also take classes in other areas that relate to visual arts such as film studies or anthropology.

In addition to coursework focusing on specific periods or movements in art history courses may include seminars on topics such as museum studies or conservation. These types of courses help students develop an understanding of how museums work to preserve cultural heritage as well as the role they play in educating the public about the visual arts. Other courses may focus on the curatorial side of museums such as researching collections or developing exhibitions.

Conclusion

Art History Majors take a variety of classes that cover both historical and contemporary art movements with an emphasis on understanding how these movements have shaped cultures around the world. Classes range from traditional studio classes to seminars about museum studies or conservation. In addition to gaining a deeper knowledge about visual arts students also learn important skills related to curation that can be applied when working with museums.