ART HISTORY UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM
The Bachelor of Arts in art history is intended for students who wish to study the history of the visual arts, including the cultural and social context in which they were created. It is the mission of the Art History program to educate students with a global perspective on the arts. European and American art history is emphasized, coupled with opportunities to study selected areas of African, Asian and Meso- American Arts. Students majoring in art history develop a general knowledge of the principal monuments and artists of all major art periods.
WHAT CAN I DO WITH A DEGREE IN ART HISTORY?
A degree in art history provides you with a diverse range of career opportunities. Recent alumni have taken jobs at outstanding national museums including the National Gallery of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Yale University Art Gallery. Other graduates work in private galleries, historic homes, and auction houses. Some teach at universities, both here and abroad, or act as corporate art consultants. Alumni have pursued graduate study in art history at high-ranking programs including Bard Institute of Decorative Arts, Cambridge University (England), Emory University, Georgetown University, Goldsmith's College (Univ. of London), Syracuse University, University of California Los Angeles, University of Texas at Austin, University of South Carolina, University of Virginia, University of Florida, and Yale University. For a detailed description of these, and many other opportunities for Art History majors, click here.
PROGRAM AND COURSEWORK
By taking a range of courses in both art history and studio art, majors learn to appreciate art as an expression of ideas, and art-making as a creative process. After completing introductory survey courses and a seminar in the history and methods of Art History in methodology, students take at least one course in each of the following areas: African/ Oceanic/Asian/Art of the Americas, Ancient to Medieval, Renaissance to Baroque, Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century, American, and Modern to Contemporary. These courses provide an invaluable foundation in the discipline, which is then strengthened by a range of electives.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
As an art history major, you can take advantage of many opportunities, not only on campus, but also throughout the area. A diverse range of cultural offerings and exhibitions makes J.M.U a vibrant arts community. The Sawhill Gallery, located in Duke Hall, hosts eight to ten shows annually. Past exhibitions have showcased artists such as Miriam Schapiro, photographer Sandy Skoglund, the Art Guys, and graphic designer Milton Glaser. Thesis exhibitions for MFA students are also held in this gallery. Advanced art majors compete for the chance to exhibit their own work at artWorks Gallery, our undergraduate-run gallery, and photography exhibitions appear regularly at the New Image Gallery, located near artWorks Gallery in the 131 Grace St. building.
Guest artists and scholars come to campus every semester under in wide range of programs. Recent visitors include performance artists the Art Guys, video artist Bill Viola, and art critics Arthur Danto and Lucy Lippard. For research, Carrier Library has more than 25,000 art history books and periodicals, extensive electronic access to journals, and superb interlibrary loan facilities. Frequent trips to Richmond, New York, and Washington DC give students a chance to see some of the latest national exhibitions, and to work directly with the outstanding holdings of area museums. Through our internship program, you can work in museums such as the National Gallery of Art, or historic homes (including Monticello and Montpelier). J.M.U’s new Arts Center, planned for construction within the next five years, will further enhance student access to the arts.
PUBLISHER:
School of Art, Design & Art History
MSC 7101,
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
PHONE: (540) 568-6661
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
John Ott
Area Head, Art History