Art History Major Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete a major in Art History will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a general knowledge of the monuments and principal artists of all major art periods of the past, including:
   • A broad understanding of the art of the twentieth century;
   • Acquaintance with the art history of non-Western cultures, knowledge in greater depth and precision of several cultures and periods in the history of art;
   • A concentration in at least one area at an advanced seminar level;
   • Study of theory and criticism using a variety of analytical critical approaches.
2. Utilize tools and techniques of scholarship, including:
   • Writing in various formats;
   • Speaking in various formats, using appropriate presentation technology;
   • Research methods, proper citation methods and legal use of reproductions of imagery,
   • Production of a senior project that considers a single work of art or a narrowly defined body of works in their historical context, analyzed from a distinctive authorial point of view based upon critical and theoretical insights.
3. Integrate and apply knowledge from other disciplines and cultural contexts, including a general knowledge of world history. Adequate mastery of at least one foreign language to support research through the reading of primary source materials is highly recommended.
4. Demonstrate a functional knowledge of the creative process, normally accomplished through one or more foundation or other studio courses.

The Art History Major

Students who major in the Art Department select an emphasis in Studio Art, Art History, or Art and Technology. All emphases must have the approval of the department and lead to the Bachelor of Arts degree. Art majors are required to have a GPA of at least 2.0 in art at graduation. All art courses taken at Allegheny on a letter grade basis are included in the calculation with the exception of repeated courses for which only the most recent grade counts. All art courses must be taken on the letter grade basis (except ART 600 , which is only offered Credit/No Credit). Under exceptional circumstances, one additional course taken Credit/No Credit may be presented for the major with permission of the chair of the department. Typically, this exception is made when a student has taken an art course CR/NC before declaring a major in the department.