Bachelor of Arts in History of Art
Program Overview
University of Florida Art History Program
The Art History program at the University of Florida introduces global culture through the lens of art and architecture. It embraces an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on history, archaeology, anthropology, religion, literature, and other allied disciplines to understand and interpret visual culture. The curriculum cultivates skills in critical analysis, research, oral and written communication, and visual literacy, preparing students for careers and graduate or professional schools in many fields in and outside the arts.
About this Program
- College: Arts
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts in History of Art
- Credits for Degree: 120
To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements.
School Information
The School of Art + Art History nurtures a culture of critical inquiry in scholarly and creative work. The school empowers each individual with knowledge, skills, and insight to engage thoughtfully with the changing world.
Curriculum
All coursework required for the major must be completed with minimum grades of C.
Students pursuing the BA in Art History take 14 courses (42 credits) in the School of Art + Art History:
- ARH 2050: Introduction to the Principles and History of Art 1
- ARH 2051: Introduction to the Principles and History of Art 2
- Any 1000 or 2000 level ART course for majors or non-majors
- Select one:
- 2000-level ARH survey course that focuses on the art of Africa, Asia, and/or Latin America and/or on the art of Native Americans, Aboriginal Australians, and/or Pacific Islanders
- ARH 2500: Non-Western Art
- Any 3000 or 4000-level ARH courses
- Any 3000 or 4000-level ARH or ART courses
- ARH 4931: Art History Seminar
Total Credits: 42
ARH 3000/4000 Electives Distribution Requirements
The ARH courses at the 3000/4000 level must be distributed chronologically:
- At least 3 credits, Art before 1300
- At least 3 credits, Art from 1300 to 1750
- At least 3 credits, Art after 1750
The ARH courses at the 3000/4000 level must also be distributed in the following ways:
- At least 3 credits, art of the ancient Mediterranean Basin and/or ancient Near East and/or the art of Europe and/or the United States
- At least 3 credits, Art of Africa, Asia, and/or Latin America and/or the art of Native Americans, Aboriginal Australians, and/or Pacific Islanders
Critical Tracking
Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for entry to each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.
Semester Plan
The semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student’s academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.
Plan of Study Grid
Semester One:
- Quest 1 (Gen Ed Humanities)
- ARH 2050: Introduction to the Principles and History of Art 1
- Foreign language Beginning Sequence 1
- Gen Ed Composition; Writing Requirement
Semester Two:
- ARH 2051: Introduction to the Principles and History of Art 2
- Foreign language Beginning Sequence 2
- State Core Gen Ed Mathematics, pure math
- State Core Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences
Semester Three:
- Quest 2
- Select one:
- ARH 2500: Non-Western Art
- ARH survey course (2000 level)
- State Core Gen Ed Biological or Physical Sciences
- State Core Gen Ed Humanities
- Gen Ed Mathematics
Semester Four:
- Select one ART elective (1000/2000 level)
- ARH art history elective (3000/4000 level)
- Gen Ed Biological or Physical Sciences
- State Core Gen Ed Composition
- Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences
Semester Five:
- ARH art history electives (3000/4000 level)
- Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Elective (3000/4000 level)
- Elective
Semester Six:
- ARH art history electives (3000/4000 level)
- Electives (3000/4000 level)
- Elective
Semester Seven:
- ARH 4931: Art History Seminar
- ARH art history electives (3000/4000 level)
- Elective (3000/4000 level)
- Electives
Semester Eight:
- ART or ARH art studio or art history electives (3000/4000 level)
- Elective (3000/4000 level)
- Electives
Total Credits: 120
Student Learning Outcomes
- Identify, describe, and interpret works of art and other materials about art's cultural and historical context.
- Examine and assess an art historical topic by applying appropriate research practices.
- Examine and assess scholarly literature, including scholarly methodology.
- Formulate oral analysis of works of art in their historical or cultural context.
- Produce written analysis of works of art in their historical or cultural context.
Curriculum Map
The curriculum map outlines the introduction, reinforcement, and assessment of student learning outcomes across the program.
Assessment Types
- Research paper
- Oral presentation
The Bachelor of Arts in Art History enables students to achieve proficiency in historical theory and criticism of art, to communicate independent, critical perspectives, and to employ research methodology effectively. Through study of literature, social forces, ideology, cultural history, and visual representation, students will develop knowledge of the ancient, medieval, Renaissance/Baroque, and modern world arts. Students will also develop the ability to construct arguments and engage in advanced thought and analysis, in speech and in writing.