Program Overview
Bachelor of Arts in Art History
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Art History program at the University at Albany provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the history of art, from ancient to modern times. The program is designed to develop students' critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills, preparing them for careers in the art world, education, and related fields.
Program of Study
The program offers three possible tracks of study:
- Art History Research and Internships: This track prepares students for a career in the art world, as well as graduate school in art history, visual resources curating and management, and museum studies. Students can incorporate internships into this plan for hands-on professional experience.
- Film Studies: This track allows students to fulfill their art history requirements with coursework in Film Studies. Critical studies courses on film history, theory, criticism, and contemporary film topics can accompany video production courses or other hands-on learning and creative output projects.
- Honors Program in Art History: This track is designed for declared Art History majors who have excelled in at least their first 12 credits of Art History coursework. The Honors program prepares students for pursuing in-depth graduate work in art history, art conservation, museum studies, or film studies.
Core Courses
Students must choose three core courses from the following options:
- Survey of Art in the Western World I and II
- The Art of Medieval Knighthood
- Introduction to Italian Renaissance Art and Architecture
- Art in France from Absolutism to Impressionism
- Introduction to Ancient Art: Greek and Roman Mural Painting and Floor Mosaic
- Contemporary Art: A Global Perspective
Students must also choose one of the following courses:
- Art and Society in Early Modern France
- Research Seminar in Art History
Electives
Students must complete 6 credits of lower-division electives and 18 credits of upper-division electives.
Internship Opportunities
The program offers internship opportunities in museums and galleries throughout New York, providing students with hands-on professional experience for academic credit. Recent placements include:
- Brooklyn Museum
- New York State Museum
- Albany Center Gallery
- University at Albany Art Museum
- University at Albany Library
- Sand Lake Center for the Arts
- Empire State Plaza Art Collection
- Albany Institute of History and Art
- New York State Bureau of Historic Sites
Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Options
The program offers accelerated undergraduate/graduate options, allowing students to begin their graduate degree coursework while still enrolled as an undergraduate student. Up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, will count towards both degrees. Students can combine their Art History undergraduate degree with the following graduate programs:
- MA in History
- MA in Liberal Studies
- MS in Information Science
Career Outcomes
With a degree in Art History, students can work in a variety of settings, from museums and galleries to classrooms and offices. Common career choices for Art History majors include:
- Museum Curator
- Art Conservation
- Art Educator
- Museum Marketing and Public Relations
- Art Therapist
- Art Appraiser
- Gallerist
- Digital Image Curator / Visual Information Manager
Student Learning Objectives
The program is designed to help students achieve the following learning objectives:
- Analyze visual and structural features of works of art and architecture.
- Identify and describe salient aspects of form, structure, and medium.
- Use art historical terminology.
- Interpret cultural significance of art and architecture.
- Identify, analyze iconography and representational, symbolic elements; assess meaning from perspective of artist, patron, viewer, and/or function.
- Practice key elements of the discipline of art history.
- Compare/contrast images and structures using traditional art historical practice.
- Identify scholarly resources for research in art history; present findings in oral and written form.
- Relate works of art and architecture to their wider historical context.
- Locate works of art and architecture within a chronological framework.
- Identify key historical events, movements, and ideologies that impinge upon artistic production.
- Write coherently and persuasively in the art historical idiom. Formulate coherent sentences and essays. Assess and revise writing for accuracy and effectiveness of argumentation.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- This program aims to equip students with critical and hands-on experience in analyzing and understanding art in its diverse forms.
- Focused on developing writing and critical thinking skills through engagement with visual material.
- Prepares students for careers in various fields, including museum curating, education, art conservation, historic preservation, and digital image management.
- Offered through the Department of Art and Art History.
- Faculty within the department provides individual advisement and personalized counseling on internships and careers.
Outline:
- The program consists of a variety of courses covering different mediums and art forms, including:
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Architecture
- Printmaking
- Drawing
- Photography
- Video and film
- Performance
- Installation
- Digital Media
- Courses involve critical writing and thinking through engagement with visual materials.
Assessment:
- The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Essays
- Presentations
- Class participation
- Exams
- Specific assessment criteria are likely outlined in individual course syllabuses.
Teaching:
- The program utilizes a combination of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Discussions
- Hands-on projects
- Field trips
- The program boasts a diverse faculty with expertise in various art history areas.
Careers:
- Graduates of the program can pursue careers in:
- Museums
- Galleries
- Classrooms
- Offices
- Specific career examples include:
- Museum Curator
- Art Conservator
- Art Educator
- Museum Marketing and Public Relations
- Art Therapist
- Art Appraiser
- Gallerist
- Examples of successful graduates and their career paths are provided in the context.
Other:
- The program offers internship opportunities in museums and galleries throughout New York.
- Students can participate in the Combined Master's program to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees in a shorter timeframe.
- The program emphasizes the development of visual literacy and critical thinking skills.
