The minor in Art History offers students the opportunity to explore the visual arts and their cultural, historical, and social contexts. Through coursework covering major developments in Western art from prehistory to the modern era, students examine how artistic movements, styles, and innovations reflect and shape society. Students analyze architecture, painting, sculpture, photography, and cinema, with attention to diverse perspectives and contributions from artists across cultures and communities. Field trips to galleries and museums in the greater Washington, D.C. area provide hands-on learning experiences with important collections and exhibitions. The Art History minor pairs well with majors in education, communication studies, theatre arts, history, or any field where visual literacy and cultural understanding are valuable. It’s ideal for students interested in careers in museums, education, arts administration, or any profession where knowledge of visual culture enhances professional expertise.
Program at a Glance
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On campus
Courses & Requirements
Summary of Requirements
Required pre-minor courses 12 credits
Students formally apply to the minor program upon completion of these courses.
This course is designed to assist the student in a visual understanding of the art of the past and present. The Western tradition is analyzed, with emphasis upon art forms such as architecture, painting, and sculpture. The course highlights the major art periods starting with prehistory and ending with the modern era. Students are expected to take this course before taking major level courses in Art.
Pre- or co-requisite: ENG 102 or the equivalent, and ASL 125
An introduction to the language of art and design (space, line, shape, value, texture and color) and the principle of composition for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. A series of hands-on projects will reinforce these concepts. Students are expected to take this course before taking major level courses in Art.
This course introduces students to the Macintosh computer system, digital camera basics, and Adobe software, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Digital imaging, illustration, layout, and other digital art techniques will be introduced. This course is intended to prepare students for intermediate classes in graphic design, web design, photography, and digital art.
A foundation course in drawing. An introduction to principles and procedures of drawing in various media. Lectures and studio work. Students are expected to take this course before taking major level courses in Art.
Required art courses 9 credits
ART 450:
1. Topic to be specified
2. Students take this course two times as topics change.
Choose three courses:
This course focuses on major developments in art since the mid-19th century including painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, and the cinema. Technological innovations, the tendency toward rapid stylistic changes, and the materials and media most prevalent in our contemporary art scene are all discussed within their relevant historical, social, and cultural contexts. Field trips to galleries, museums, and related institutions are an important component of this course.
ART 140
This course both surveys and samples the creative, technological and social developments that have had impact on the evolution of the graphic arts. Course content emphasizes both the visual and written record through a variety of media including original objects, reproductions, film, the Web and other published sources.
ART 140 and 160
The work of women as well as many other minority or racially diverse groups has often been overlooked and under-documented throughout much of history. At the same time, women and feminist scholars have provided leadership in the field of art and culture studies, bridging gaps and expanding the boundaries of traditional academic studies. Through a diverse group of readings, classroom lectures and discussions, visits to area museums, interactions with women artists, and independent research, this course provides students with a comprehensive overview of the important contributions women have made and are making in the art world.
This course will provide advanced study in art history in a variety of diverse, timely and interdisciplinary topics covering particular periods, artists, movements, and thematic approaches in the field of art history. Course topics will emphasize; subjects in art which highlight the creative achievements of diverse groups of people; themes created in conjunction with important cultural collections, exhibitions or events related to art within the greater Washington, D.C. area; and those subjects which are of particular interest to our campus community. Topics will be offered on a rotating basis. Course may be repeated as topics change.
ART 140
Job Outlook
Curation and Archiving
The employment for Museum work such as Curation, and Archiving is expected to grow at a 6% rate from 2024-2034, with an average annual salary of $57,100. Learn more here.
Admissions
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Contact
- Minor in Art History
- scott.carollo@gallaudet.edu
