Introduction to the History of Art Program

The History of Art program at Cornell University's College of Arts & Sciences provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the history of art across various chronological and geographical areas. These areas include Europe, Africa, North America and Latin America, South and Southeast Asia, China, and Japan. Students in this program are encouraged to explore the history of art within the context of allied humanities fields and the applied arts by taking courses in history, literature, history of architecture, and fine arts. The study of foreign languages is also strongly encouraged, particularly in relation to study abroad opportunities.

Program Requirements

The History of Art major requires the completion of a total of 10 courses, according to the following criteria:

• ARTH 1100 - Art Histories: An Introduction (required, offered every fall; taken preferably in the freshman or sophomore year)
• VISST 2000 - Introduction to Visual Studies (required, offered every spring)
• ARTH 4101 - Proseminar (required, offered every fall; taken preferably in the junior year)
• ARTH 2xxx (at least one course at the 2000-level)
• ARTH 3xxx (at least one course at the 3000-level)
• ARTH 4xxx (at least two courses at the 4000-level)
• Three additional ARTH electives at the 3000-level or higher

Students must receive a grade of B or higher in ARTH 1100 - Art Histories: An Introduction to qualify for the major. If students have not taken ARTH 1100 by the spring of sophomore year, they must complete a 4000-level tutorial course and receive a grade of B or higher in order to qualify for the major. A grade of B- or higher is required of all other courses to receive credit toward the major.

Sample Classes

Some sample classes offered in the History of Art program include:

• ARTH 2200 The Classical World in 24 Objects
• ARTH 2600 Introduction to Modern Western Art, from the Age of Revolutions to the Age of Capital
• ARTH 3566 Art and Architecture of the Pre-Columbian Americas
• ARTH 3651 Women in New Media Art
• ARTH 4233 Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology
• ARTH 4520 Reading Race in Early Modern Art
• ARTH 4816 Modern Chinese Art

Outcomes

The History of Art program prepares students for a variety of career paths and graduate studies. Many graduates have gone on to pursue advanced degrees in fields such as law, history of art, and arts & cultural management at prestigious institutions like King's College London, New York University, The Courtauld Institute of Art, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Graduate School

In 2022, many history of art majors embarked on graduate school journeys, pursuing various advanced degrees with the majority dedicated to their JD and MA. Their graduate field interest ranges from law to history of art and arts & cultural management.

Employment

The majority of history of art graduates entered sectors in business/industry, financial services, and retail. Some examples of employers and job titles include:

• Bank of America Merrill Lynch: Art Lending Specialist
• bG Gallery: Gallery Coordination Associate
• Capsule Auctions: Auction Associate
• Hypebeast: Associate Editor
• L'Oreal USA: Marketing Associate
• Peter Freeman, Inc.: Gallery Assistant
• Serge Sorokko Gallery: Art Consultant

Associated Interests and Related Disciplines

The History of Art program is associated with various interests, including:

• Ancient History
• Art
• Gender and sexuality
• International relations
• Language and culture
• Religion

Related disciplines include the Humanities and Arts. The program offers a minor in Visual Studies for undergraduates interested in an interdisciplinary approach to art history.