BA in Art History

Program Overview

It equips students with analytical and critical thinking skills to interpret visual culture, preparing them for careers in museums, galleries, education, and cultural administration. The program features flexible specialization options, internship opportunities, and hands-on experiences to enhance students' learning.

Program Outline

The program aims to equip students with the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary to interpret and appreciate visual culture.

• Objectives:
• To develop students' knowledge and understanding of art and architecture from various periods and cultures.
• To enhance students' critical thinking and analytical skills in interpreting visual culture.
• To prepare students for diverse careers in the arts, cultural institutions, and related fields.
• Description: The program combines a strong foundation in art history with flexible options for specialization.
Students explore various topics, including ancient Mediterranean art, medieval art, Islamic art, Asian art, European and American art, contemporary art, film, photography, and museum studies.

Outline:

• Content: The program consists of four main components:
• General Education and Foundation Courses:
These courses provide students with a broad foundation in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
• Major Course Requirements: These courses delve deeper into the history of art and architecture, covering various periods and cultures.
Students take introductory and advanced courses, participate in seminars, and engage in external studies.
• Electives: Students can choose electives to pursue specific interests or gain additional knowledge in related fields.
• Distribution and Specialization Requirements: Students are required to take courses in different topical areas to ensure a well-rounded understanding of art history.
They also choose a specialization area and complete coursework related to their chosen field.
• Structure: The program is typically completed in four years, with students taking courses in each semester.
The curriculum includes a mix of lectures, discussions, seminars, and independent research projects.
• Course Schedule: The specific courses offered each semester vary, but students can find the current course schedule on the Art History department website.
Students can choose courses within these categories to tailor their learning experience.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including exams, essays, presentations, research papers, and participation in class discussions.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, seminars, and independent research projects.
• Faculty: The faculty members in the Art History department are experts in their respective fields with diverse research interests and teaching experience.
• Unique Approaches: The program encourages students to engage with art and architecture through hands-on experiences, such as museum visits, field trips, and internships.

Careers:

• Career Paths: Graduates of the BA in Art History program pursue careers in various fields, including museums, galleries, libraries, archives, auction houses, art criticism, education, and cultural administration.
• Opportunities: The program prepares students for a wide range of opportunities in the art world and beyond, including research, curation, education, writing, and administration.
• Outcomes: Graduates of the program have successfully secured positions in prestigious institutions such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian Institution, and major universities.

Other:

• Specialization Options: Students can specialize in various areas, including ancient Mediterranean art, medieval art, Islamic art, Asian art, European and American art, contemporary art, film, photography, and museum studies.
• Internship Opportunities: The program encourages students to participate in internships to gain practical experience in the field.
• Study Abroad Opportunities: Students have the opportunity to study abroad at institutions outside the U.S. to broaden their understanding of art history and different cultures.
• Research Opportunities: Students can participate in research projects with faculty members to gain hands-on experience in conducting scholarly research.

Summary:

The BA in Art History program at UIC provides a comprehensive and rigorous education in the history of art and architecture. The program prepares students for diverse careers in the arts, cultural institutions, and related fields. Through a combination of coursework, hands-on experiences, and research opportunities, students develop the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary to succeed in their chosen field.