ART AND ART HISTORY

LAURA AGOSTON, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Art History

SARAH P. BURKE, Ph.D., Professor, Modern Languages and Literatures

MARK B. GARRISON, Ph.D., Professor, Art History; Chair

JOHN HUTTON, Ph.D., Professor, Art History

JONGWON LEE, M.F.A., Assistant Professor

JENNIFER P. MATHEWS, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Anthropology

KATE RITSON, M.F.A., Professor, Art

PATRICIA SIMONITE, M.F.A., Associate Professor, Art

RANDALL WALLACE, M.F.A., Studio Manager, Art

ELIZABETH D. WARD, M.F.A., Associate Professor, Art

THE MAJOR

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts with a major in Art or Art History are as follows:

I.      The common curriculum

II.      Declaration of Art Major

III.     Departmental requirements:

Art

A.    36 semester hours of Studio Art, including ART 1311, 1312, 2330, 3314, 4394, and 4397. At least 15 hours are to be completed in upper-division courses.

B.     9 semester hours in Art History are required, including ARTH 1307 and 1308.

C.     A minimum of 3 hours required from at least two of the following areas: Painting/                             Drawing, Sculpture, Photography/Digital, and Printmaking.

D.     Completion of the Senior Experience. During the senior year, Studio Art majors are required to have a public exhibition of art works, selected in consultation with the Studio faculty of the Department of Art and Art History. Student participation is contingent upon faculty portfolio review. In preparation for this exhibition, students will enroll in ART 4394 in the fall and ART 4397 in the spring.

Art History

A.    30 semester hours of Art History, including ARTH 1307, 1308, 4394, plus 21 semester hours, as follows:

1.     4 courses (12 hours) concentrating on art produced before 1800.

2.     3 courses (9 hours) concentrating on art produced after 1800.

3.     One of these courses must address non-Western art (ARTH 1309, 1310, 1311, 1313, 3328, 3345, and applicable special topics courses).

4.    One of these courses must focus on architectural history (ARTH 1313, 3322, 3325, 3332, 3346, 3352, 3364, 3365, and applicable special topics courses).

5.     At least 6 of these courses (18 hours) must be upper-division courses.

B.     6 semester hours (2 courses) of Studio Art in two different areas, ideally one course in a two-dimensional medium (drawing, design, printmaking, painting, photography) and one course in a three-dimensional medium (sculpture, ceramics).

C.     Completion of the Senior Experience, ARTH 4394, generally offered every spring semester.

D.     Students contemplating graduate study are encouraged to develop reading expertise in at least one foreign language (French, German, Spanish, Italian and, depending on specialization, Latin, Greek, Russian, Chinese, Japanese) and to include a period of study abroad in their program. Two semesters of chemistry are strongly recommended for students considering careers in art conservation.

IV.    Electives sufficient to total 124 semester hours.

ADMISSION TO MAJOR STATUS

Art

Prior to the declaration of an Art Major, the student must complete the following 9 hours with a grade of C or better:

I.      ART 1311 and 1312.

II.      One course from the following: ART 2330, 2340, 2350, 2360, 2370, 2380.

Art History

Completion of at least three 3-semester-hour courses in Art History or Studio Art with a grade of C or better. At least two of these must be courses in Art History.

THE MINOR IN STUDIO ART

I.      24 semester hours in Studio Art, including ART 1311, 1312, 2330, 3314, and an additional 9  hours in upper-division courses.

II.      3 semester hours in Art History.

THE MINOR IN ART HISTORY

21 semester hours in Art History including ARTH 1307, 1308, 2 upper-division courses before 1800, 2 upper-division courses after 1800, and one additional course of the student’s choice in Art History.

THE MINOR IN ART AND ART HISTORY

This interdisciplinary program shared between the Art and Art History programs is designed to help students relate an understanding of artistic creativity to their major field of study.

Requirements:

24 semester hours in Studio Art and Art History, 9 hours of which must be in Art History and 9 hours of which must be in Studio Art; at least 9 hours must be upper division.

THE HONORS PROGRAM

I.      University requirements

II.      Departmental requirements:

Art

The requirements for Honors in Art are the same as the university requirements, except that the 6 semester hours taken during the senior year are to be devoted to artistic work accompanied by prose explication. A full description of the program is available in the departmental office.

Art History

The requirements for Honors in Art History are the same as the university requirements, except that the required 9 semester hours consist of ARTH 4394 (Theories and Practice of Art History), taken during the senior year, plus 6 semester hours for the Honors Thesis (ARTH 4398, 4399), taken during the senior year. A full description of the honors program in Art History is available in the departmental office.

ART COURSES

GENERAL STUDIES

ART 1311          3-D Design and Composition

Studio practice in dealing with three-dimensional compositional problems, integrating the visual elements with aesthetic principles and an emphasis on creative solutions.

ART 1312          2-D Design and Composition

Studio practice in dealing with two-dimensional compositional problems, integrating the visual elements with aesthetic principles and an emphasis on creative solutions.

ART 2395          Outdoor Studio

Outdoor studio meets for a 6- to 8-hour period one day a week for working excursions to outdoor sites in and around San Antonio. Students create works of art on site and gather information to create or complete work in the studio. Traditional landscape media, contemporary installation strategies, and new technologies are explored. Course includes readings and lectures addressing pertinent environmental and archaeological information to enhance understanding of the Texas landscape.

ART 3113          Guest Artist Workshop

A four-week studio course taught by visiting artists encompassing the sharing of skills and philosophical approaches to artistic problems.

ART 3314          Issues in Contemporary Art

A seminar in contemporary visual art exploring art theory, practice, and history. The thematic structure will blend historical and contemporary art criticism, exhibitions, and studio practice. The fundamental theories of art making throughout the twentieth century will be explored through the study of drawing, painting, architecture, photography, film, ceramics, and sculpture.

Prerequisite: ARTH 1307 or 1308.

CERAMICS

ART 2320          Beginning Ceramics

A basic course in beginning ceramic techniques and issues in contemporary ceramics.

Prerequisite:  ART 1311.

ART 3320          Intermediate Ceramics

A continuation of ART 2320.

Prerequisite: ART 2320.

ART 4-20           Ceramics: Advanced

A continuation of ART 3320.

Credit may vary from 1-3 semester hours. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 9 credit hours.

Prerequisite: ART 3320.

DRAWING

ART 2330          Drawing Studio: Beginning

The presentation and investigation of the technical, conceptual, and aesthetic elements of drawing as they relate to the development of ideas. The study of the human figure may be included.

ART 3330          Drawing Studio: Intermediate

A continuation of ART 2330.

Prerequisite: ART 2330.

ART 4-30           Drawing Studio: Advanced

A continuation of ART 3330.

Credit may vary from 1-3 semester hours. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 9 credit hours.

Prerequisite: ART 3330.

PAINTING

ART 2340          Beginning Painting

A basic course in beginning painting techniques and issues in contemporary painting.

Prerequisite: ART 1312 or 2330.

ART 3340          Intermediate Painting

A continuation of ART 2340.

Prerequisite: ART 2340.

ART 4-40           Painting: Advanced

A continuation of ART 3340.

Credit may vary from 1-3 semester hours. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 9 credit hours.

Prerequisite: ART 3340.

PHOTOGRAPHY

ART 2350          Beginning Photography

A basic course in beginning black and white photographic techniques and issues in contemporary photography.

Preference will be given to Art and Art History majors and minors and students enrolled in the New Media Minor.

ART 3350          Intermediate Photography

A continuation of ART 2350.

Prerequisites: ART 2350 or consent of instructor.

ART 4-50           Photography: Advanced

A continuation of ART 3350.

Credit may vary from 1-3 semester hours. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 9 credit hours.

Prerequisite: ART 3350.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

ART 2352          Digital Photography: Beginning

Basic principles of digital photography as utilized in creative expression and photojournalism. Use of camera, lighting, composition and editing, as well as
instruction in the use of the digital darkroom and Adobe PhotoShop for photographic image manipulation and production techniques.

Preference will be given to Art and Art History majors and minors and students enrolled in the New Media minor.

ART 3352          Digital Photography: Intermediate

A continuation of ART 2352.

Prerequisite: ART 2352 or consent of instructor.

ART 4-52           Digital Photography: Advanced

A continuation of ART 3352.

May be repeated three times.

Prerequisite: ART 3352.

PRINTMAKING

ART 2360          Lithography and Monotype

An introduction to the process and chemistry of lithography and monotype technique through studio experience. 4 studio hours and 4 hours outside preparation per week required. May be repeated up to 3 times.

ART 2362          Intaglio and Relief

An introduction to the technical and aesthetic characteristics of Intaglio and Relief through studio experience. We will address larger issues of printmaking and develop a personal vocabulary while exploring these versatile print media. 4 studio hours and 4 hours outside preparation per week required. May be repeated up to 3 times.

ART 2364          Screen Printing

Studio experience in screen printing techniques, including hand-drawn and photomechanically applied stencils, and issues in contemporary printmaking. 4 studio hours and 4 hours outside preparation per week required. May be repeated up to 3 times.

ART 2366          Papermaking

A studio course in the history and techniques of Asian and European hand papermaking. The impact of the discovery of paper on the world and the contemporary uses of hand papermaking are contextualized through the technical exploration of hand-made paper. 4 studio hours and 4 hours outside preparation per week required. May be repeated up to 3 times.

ART 2368          Bookbinding

Presenting the book-as-object, this course is an exploration of bookbinding through studio experience, within the context of the history of the book. With an emphasis on technical skills, we will work with a variety of binding styles and materials to understand how structure and content play off each other, discovering the boundaries of the definition of a book. 4 studio hours and 4 hours outside preparation per week required. May be repeated up to 3 times.

ART 3362          Digital and Photo Printmaking

An in-depth studio course using digital and photo media techniques to create a matrix in hand printmaking. Using the computer as an image-making tool, this class, combining old and new media, provides an exploration of contemporary printmaking. 4 studio hours and 4 hours outside preparation per week required. May be repeated up to 3 times.

Prerequisite: ART 2360 or 2362, or consent of instructor.

ART 3-60           Topics in Intermediate Printmaking

This course is designed for students who have already taken a course in printmaking and wish to experience a particular printmaking technique in greater
depth. The course may be taken more than once, as long as course content changes.

Prerequisites: ART 2360, 2362, 2364, or consent of instructor.

ART 4-60           Topics in Advanced Printmaking

This course is designed for students who have already taken ART 3-60 and desire to hone their technical skills and conceptual expression at the advanced level. The course may be taken more than once, as long as course content changes. May be repeated up to 3 times.

Prerequisites: ART 3-60 or consent of instructor.

SCULPTURE

ART 2370          Beginning Sculpture

Studio experience in three-dimensional compositional form, including the mastery of fundamental techniques in a variety of media and expressions.

Prerequisite: ART 1311 or 1312 or 2330 or consent of instructor or Departmental Chair.

ART 3370          Intermediate Sculpture

A continuation of ART 2370.

Prerequisite: ART 2370 or consent of instructor.

ART 4-70           Sculpture: Advanced

A continuation of ART 3370.

Credit may vary from 1-3 semester hours. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 9 credit hours.

Prerequisite: ART 3370.

DIGITAL IMAGING

ART 2380          Digital Art

An intensive fine arts studio investigation emphasizing visual problem solving and production. Designed to build visual art making skills and computer proficiency through the introduction of structured studio problems. Emphasis on the expressive and communicative nature of images focusing on the computer as the primary creative medium.

Priority will be given to Art and Art History majors and minors and students enrolled in the New Media minor.

ART 3380          Advanced Digital Art

A continuation of ART 2380. Research and critique in Digital Art. This course may be repeated up to three times.

Prerequisite: ART 2380 or consent of instructor.

INDEPENDENT STUDY

ART 3-90           Special Work in Studio Art

Not to exceed 6 semester hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

ART 4-91           Advanced Study in Studio Art

Research and critique in studio work.

Not to exceed 12 semester hours.

Prerequisite: Upper-division major in the department or consent of instructor.

SPECIAL TOPICS

ART 3-91           Topics in Studio Art

From time to time special topic courses not described in the Courses of Study Bulletin will be offered. The course may be taken more than once, as long as course content changes.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

ART 3-97           Internship

Internships are offered in a variety of professional visual art venues such as museums, galleries, and other art institutions. Such work will not exceed 10 hours per week. 1-3 hours per semester, maximum of 6 semester hours. Pass/Fail only.

Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing art major or minor and consent of department chair.

ART 3398          Honors Readings

Independent study in selected areas in preparation for Honors Thesis.

Prerequisite: Admission to Honors Program.

ART 4394          Senior Seminar

A combination of seminars, readings, and museum/gallery visits in preparation for portfolio development, senior exhibition, graduate study, and preparation for other art related professions. Fall semester only. This course, in combination with ART 4397, fulfills the Senior Experience requirement of the University’s Common Curriculum.

Prerequisite: Senior standing with major in Studio Art.

ART 4396          Gallery Practicum

Gallery Practicum is a hands-on course offering instruction and experience in all aspects of the organization and installation of art exhibitions. Students will learn professional gallery management practices by researching exhibition content, arranging loans of artwork, and creating checklists, didactic labels, and brochures. Through organizing and installing exhibitions in the university gallery, they will gain valuable experience in the selection, proper handling, placement, hanging, and lighting of works of art in exhibitions.

Prerequisite: At least one studio art or art history course.

ART 4397          Senior Studio

Concentrated advanced study in studio art in preparation for the senior exhibition. This course, in combination with ART 4394, fulfills the Senior Experience requirement of the University’s Common Curriculum.

Prerequisite: ART 4394. Senior standing with major in Studio Art or consent of department chair.

ART 4398, 4399 Honors Thesis

Individual research and scholarly investigation under faculty supervision leading to the preparation of an Honors Thesis. To be taken only by Senior Honors students in both semesters of their senior year.

ART HISTORY COURSES

LOWER DIVISION

ARTH 1301        Introduction to Film Studies

This course is an introduction to the artistic, cultural, and scholarly importance of film. The course focuses on the development of film as a complex art form, the evolution of narrative as part of a formal system, the development of the industry and film genres, critical and cultural approaches to film analysis, and the construction of the audience. Students will read excerpts from primary texts as well as more general texts dealing with film interpretation and criticism. (Also listed as COMM 1302, ENGL 1301, and FILM 1301.)

ARTH 1307        Art History I: Prehistoric through Medieval Art

This course aims to present works of art in their historical context with emphasis on the cultural values revealed in selected examples of painting, sculpture, and architecture, and to acquaint students with the fundamental principles of artistic design to further enjoyment of works of art. The humanist tradition of Greek and Roman art, and its relationship to the Judeo-Christian tradition of Early Christian and Medieval art, will be studied.

ARTH 1308        Art History II: Renaissance to Modern Art

The course is a continuation of ARTH 1307, though it may be taken independently. The course focuses particular attention on the humanist traditions of the Renaissance; the influence of religion, philosophy, science, and political patronage in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries; and the impact of industry and modernity in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

ARTH 1309        Introduction to Asian Art: India

The origins and development of art and architecture in India set within the religious, political, and social context.

ARTH 1310        Introduction to Asian Art: China

The origins and development of art and architecture in China set within the religious, political, and social context.

ARTH 1311        Introduction to Asian Art: Japan

The origins and development of art and architecture in Japan set within the religious, political, and social context.

ARTH 1313        Art and Archaeology of Ancient Egypt

A survey of the major monuments and sites of ancient Egypt. The course will trace the development of the Egyptian state from its formation down into the early first millennium BCE.

ARTH 2301        International Cinema

This course focuses on the cultural and critical analysis of international films as an expression of particular artistic genres and/or styles within specific historical, ideological, and cultural contexts. Films selected have achieved wide, critical acclaim; others reveal unique and important visions of human experience; while still others are selected for their political, ideological, or sociological significance. Students should develop an awareness that the medium of film has a history and that its history is not confined to national boundaries. (Also listed as COMM 2301, ENGL 2300, FILM 2301, and ML&L 2301.)

UPPER DIVISION

Completion of three semester hours of Art History, or sophomore standing, or consent of instructor, is prerequisite to taking upper-division courses.

ARTH 3320        The Minoan-Mycenaean Civilization

This course deals with the rediscovery of the Aegean Bronze Age civilizations of Crete and Mycenae, using an interdisciplinary approach based on material from archaeology, anthropology, and the Homeric epics.

ARTH 3321        Greek Vase Painting

The development of the shape and decoration of Greek pottery from the Geometric period through the end of the Classical era. The characteristics of individual artists and the treatment of Greek myths in different periods are studied.

ARTH 3322        Greek Architecture

The development of Greek architecture from the Geometric period through the Hellenistic period. The development of the temple is emphasized, but private and public buildings, city planning, and religious sanctuaries are also considered.

ARTH 3325        Roman Art and Architecture

This course examines the major monuments and art styles in the city of Rome and the Roman provinces from the Republic to the Imperial period, ending with the reign of Constantine the Great.

ARTH 3328        Art and Archaeology of Mesopotamia and Persia

An examination of the archaeology of Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) and Persia (modern Iran), focusing on the visual expression of royal power in art and architecture.

ARTH 3330        Art and Architecture in the Late Classical World

This course will consider the art and architecture of Roman, Jewish, Christian, and early Islamic communities from the later Roman Empire to the seventh century CE.

ARTH 3332        Medieval Art

The art of the Middle Ages from the sixth to the fourteenth centuries in Europe and the Mediterranean region. Byzantine, Barbarian, Romanesque, and Gothic works will be studied in the contexts of contemporary history, thought, and literature.

ARTH 3335        Pre-Columbian Art of Mesoamerica

This course is a survey of the art of Mesoamerica and will examine the art of the Olmec, Western Mexico, Gulf Coast, Teotihuacan, Maya, Toltecs, Zapotecs, Mixtecs, and the Aztecs. Art mediums will include architecture, sculpture, ceramics and other portable art, murals, ancient manuscripts such as codices, jewelry, and even graffiti. Students will have an opportunity to work with materials on and off-exhibit in the Pre-Columbian collection at the San Antonio Museum of Art for their research papers.

ARTH 3338        Culture and Creativity in the Middle Ages and Renaissance

A course focusing on the interrelation of art, music, literature, and history at significant moments in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The goal is to make it possible for students to draw new connections between the areas of culture dealt with in the course. The syllabus may include such important cultural figures and works as: Charlemagne, Gregorian chant, The Song of Roland, Thomas Aquinas, motets, Michelangelo, and Shakespeare. The course will combine lectures with detailed work in discussion sections. (Also listed as ENGL 3305, MDRS 3301, and MUSC 3351.)

ARTH 3340        Northern Renaissance Art, 1300-1550

Whether called late medieval or Renaissance, this period in northern Europe was a new era of discovery for painting and with painting. How pictures were made to serve the requirements of both nature and the supernatural is the leading theme of this course, which traces developments in painting from Van Eyck to Dürer.

ARTH 3341        Early Renaissance Art in Italy

This course will deal with the art and architecture of fifteenth-century Italy, with emphasis on Florence. The cultural context of Humanism will be explored, as well as the social and political currents that influenced the art of the period.

ARTH 3342        High Renaissance Art and Mannerist Art in Italy

This course deals with the art and architecture of sixteenth-century Italy. The first half of the course focuses on papal Rome, and the work of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Bramante, and their followers, in relationship to the social and cultural currents of the time. The second half of the course broadens the focus to include other Italian centers and the impact of Mannerism on both monumental and decorative arts.

ARTH 3343        Italian Baroque Art

This course will examine the art and architecture of Italy in the late sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, with emphasis on the major figures and cultural factors associated with Baroque movements. In addition, this course may follow the impact of Italian Baroque art and architecture elsewhere in southern and northern Europe.

ARTH 3344        Netherlandish Art in the Age of Bruegel, Rubens, and

                        Rembrandt

Covering the period from 1500 to 1700, this course investigates the nature of an art that altered fundamental perceptions of the world while defining conflicting values in the cultures of Catholic Flanders and Protestant Holland. It also examines why certain categories of painting, such as landscape, still-life and genre scenes, arose and flourished in this period.

ARTH 3345        Spanish Colonial Art and Architecture in Mexico

A study of the arts of Mexico from Conquest to Independence (1521-1821), with special attention to architecture and to architectural painting and sculpture. The study also includes the Spanish sources of this art (the Late Gothic, Plateresque, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neo-Classical stylistic periods) and the persistence of indigenous forms, images, and sensibilities. The course includes original material at hand: the San Antonio Missions and works in the San Antonio Museum of Art.

ARTH 3347        Art of the Eighteenth Century

A study of the visual arts and architecture of the eighteenth century, focusing on France and England, from the age of the Absolute Monarchy of Louis XIV to the upheaval of the French Revolution.

ARTH 3350        Neo-Classicism to Realism

This course will focus on French art from the Revolution of 1789 until the establishment of the Second Empire, tracing the political and social context of Neo-Classicism, the Romantics, and the Realists.

ARTH 3351        Impressionism and Post-Impressionism

This course deals with nineteenth-century art from the origins of Impressionism to its dissolution into the various Post-Impressionist schools (c. 1850-1900). Focusing on France, the course will stress the social and political context of the art.

ARTH 3352        Nineteenth-Century Architecture and Urbanism

This course covers architecture and urban development in Western Europe and America from the late eighteenth century to the 1890s, with special attention given to the theoretical and social contexts for major architectural movements.

ARTH 3353        Nineteenth-Century American Art

American fine arts and architecture from early nationhood to the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. Emphasis on the cultural forces shaping the arts and artists, along with major figures and movements.

ARTH 3360        Twentieth-Century Art

A consideration of major art movements of the twentieth century, emphasizing both art historical and critical approaches. Specific course content will vary depending on the instructor.

ARTH 3362        Theories and Art of the Russian Avant-Garde

The main artistic movements and artists in Russia from 1880 to 1930: Symbolism, Primitivism, Futurism, Suprematism, Constructivism. Special attention will be given to the works of Vrubel, Malevich, Kandinsky, Tatlin, and El Lissitsky.

ARTH 3363        Twentieth-Century American Art

American art and architecture of the twentieth century. Emphasis on the pluralistic character of the arts in this period, and the cultural forces shaping the arts and artists, along with major figures and movements.

ARTH 3364        Twentieth-Century Architecture and Urbanism

This course covers architecture and urban development from the 1890s to the 1960s. Emphasis on ideological, theoretical, national, and popular architectural movements, primarily in Western Europe and the United States.

ARTH 3365        Contemporary Architecture

This course covers architecture and urban development from the 1960s through the present. Emphasis on the artistic, ideological, theoretical, and political factors that shape contemporary built environments, with primary focus on the United States, Western Europe, and Japan.

ARTH 3-90        Independent Study in Art History

Independent study in selected areas. 1 to 3 semester hours; may be repeated for a total of no more than 6 semester hours.

Prerequisites: 6 upper-division semester hours in Art History and consent of instructor.

ARTH 3391        Topics in Art History

From time to time special topic courses not described in the bulletin will be offered. Topics will generally cut across the chronological divisions of period courses, dealing instead with broader issues in Art History. May be repeated on different topics.

ARTH 3392        Women’s Studies in Art History

Course content will vary depending on the instructor but may include some of the following: women as artists and architects, images of women in art and society, feminist methodology, or women as patrons of art. Course may be repeated with different topics for a maximum of six semester hours.

ARTH 3393        Museum Studies

This course will focus on specific topics in the history, nature, and operation of the art museum. Specific issues may include connoisseurship, documentation, the impact of the museum on the development of art, the nature of arts patronage, the function and purpose of the museum, and debates over the issues of censorship and/or community responsibility.

ARTH 3395        Colloquium in Museum Studies

This course will provide an experiential overview of the artistic, educational, and commercial functions of the modern art museum in a colloquium setting. Students will have the opportunity to work in the classroom and on-site with museum professionals in San Antonio and the region.

ARTH 3-97        Internship

Internships are offered in conjunction with museums, art agencies, and art professionals in the San Antonio community and beyond, or may involve an introduction to visual resources management in the Department’s Visual Resources Collection. Each internship must be directed by a faculty member who will draw up an agreement between the sponsoring institution or office, the student, and the department outlining the scope and requirements of the course. 1-3 hours per semester, maximum 6 semester hours. Elective credit only. Pass/Fail only.

Prerequisite: Approval by Department Chair.

ARTH 4394        Theories and Practice of Art History

This seminar, required of majors in their senior year (and recommended for minors), will give historical and methodological perspectives on the discipline of Art History. The leading approaches used in the field will be studied, using art historical writings from the Renaissance to the present. The course is generally offered each Spring semester. This course fulfills the Senior Experience requirement of the University’s Common Curriculum.

ARTH 4395        Seminar in Art History

From time to time courses will be offered that will provide an in-depth study of selected artists or problems.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of six semester hours.

ARTH 4396        Gallery Practicum

Gallery Practicum is a hands-on course offering instruction and experience in all aspects of the organization and installation of art exhibitions. Students will learn professional gallery management practices by researching exhibition content, arranging loans of artwork, and creating checklists, didactic labels, and brochures. Through organizing and installing exhibitions in the university gallery, they will gain valuable experience in the selection, proper handling, placement, hanging, and lighting of works of art in exhibitions.

Prerequisite: At least one studio art or art history course.

ARTH 4398, 4399          Honors Thesis

Individual research and scholarly investigation under faculty supervision leading to the preparation of an Honors Thesis. To be taken only by Senior Honors students in both semesters.