Courses in the history of art provide the student with an understanding of art and architecture in a cultural context. The student will be introduced to the means by which art can be critically observed, intelligently analyzed, and knowledgeably discussed. ARTH 115, Survey of Art History I, and ARTH 116, Survey of Art History II, provide a survey of art from prehistoric times to the present and are the prerequisites to most upper level courses.

Students considering majoring in art history should plan to complete ARTH 115 and ARTH 116 by the end of their sophomore year. Of value to art history majors are courses in literature, religion, philosophy, classical civilization, and history. A required course in studio art is intended to give students some practical knowledge of how a work of art is produced.

For any student contemplating graduate study or a career in which a knowledge of the history of art is essential (for example, work in museums or galleries, and in auction houses), a reading knowledge of at least one of the following languages is strongly recommended: French, German, Italian, Spanish (depending on area of interest).