Undergraduate
Art History studies the changes and continuities that characterize human endeavors in the visual arts. Intellectually it is a constantly expanding discipline whose objects of study include architecture, painting, sculpture, photography, film, performance art, decorative art, the history of Art History itself, and its critical methodology. This field of study examines works of art in terms of both aesthetic and historical issues; it is concerned with definitions of style, materials and modes of execution, iconographic and other interpretive methods, and with the economic and social factors that shape visual culture. Each of the faculty members teaching in the Department of the History of Art at OSU is a specialist in a particular area of Western or Non-Western art, and undergraduates are strongly encouraged to take full advantage of the wide range of courses offered. Chronologically, course offerings encompass artistic developments in the West from Ancient times to the Post Modern Era, and geographically include the art of China, Japan, South East Asia, Islam, and Africa.
Bachelor of Arts Degree
The B.A. in Art History provides a solid background in the humanities, develops analytical thinking, and above all underscores the value of creative accomplishment. On the practical side, our majors have found employment in numerous art related fields such as art magazine and book publishing, at art galleries, and with art councils. Other professional opportunities, however, are offered to those who decide to pursue the study of art history at the graduate level, since an advanced degree is requisite for a career in teaching or curatorial work in a museum.
Requirements B.A.: History of Art Major
The B.A. degree with a major in the History of Art requires sixty credit hours in the History of Art. The core curriculum is comprised of six courses (thirty credit hours). This includes four survey courses: three in Western art; one in non-Western art; a writing seminar; and a course in artistic materials and techniques. Following the completion of these core courses, six additional upper level courses are required. Four of these six advanced courses must be selected from four different areas of study (see the list below); every student takes at least one advanced course in Western, and at least one in non-Western art. The History of Art major may include some credit from approved overseas study programs (H.A. 697), and study tours (H.A. 698). It is strongly recommended that students take courses in foreign languages appropriate to their area of interest.
More Information
For further information about these programs and opportunities, contact the coordinating advisor for the Department of History of Art at (614) 292-7481.