Art History and
Humanities (AH)
Associate Professors: L. A. Koch, L. S. Curtis
(Chair);
Assistant Professors: G. B. Guest, D. Chou
The Department of Art History and Humanities offers courses
devoted to the history and theory of art, a key component in any liberal
arts education. Art history explores art as a record of human creativity
in an intellectual context. The scholarly methods used increase perceptive
ability, analytical skills, an understanding of various cultural traditions,
and the facility to express oneself with clarity and precision—
strengths essential to any major course of study and to any future career.
Art history courses provide the basis for majors both in Art History
and Humanities.
Students make use of the comprehensive collections of the Cleveland
Museum of Art for their course work. Those enrolled in upper level courses
may have access to the extensive research facilities in the Ingalls
Library, one of the largest art museum libraries in the country.
In addition, qualified majors have the opportunity to gain valuable
experience by participating in internships at the Cleveland Museum of
Art where they may help prepare exhibits, do archival research on objects,
help with public lectures, conduct surveys, work with public relations,
or engage in slide curatorship. Internships are also available with
area organizations such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Sculpture
Center, Cleveland Artists Foundation, and other art related concerns.
In order to broaden their experience, students are encouraged to take
advantage of the numerous study-abroad opportunities available to them.
Up to six credit hours may count toward the major during a study-abroad
program if approved in advance of enrollment.
Introduction to Art History (AH 101) is a prerequisite for all courses
offered by the department. After completing the introductory survey,
students may take any of the intermediate (200-300) or upper-level courses
(400) for which they feel prepared.
The department participates in the graduate program leading to the master
of arts degree in humanities. Program requirements and course descriptions
are published in the Graduate School Bulletin.
Major and Minor Requirements
Major in Art History: 33 credit hours, including
the following courses: Greek and Roman ( AH 317), Medieval ( AH
318), Italian Renaissance ( AH
303), 19th Century ( AH
307), Modern
( AH 309 or 310), Asian ( AH
211, 312,
313, or 314); and one course
in either Northern Renaissance ( AH
301) or Baroque ( AH
304). At
least one course must be at the 400 level.
Language: A reading knowledge of French, German,
or an approved substitute is required for the major. This knowledge
will enable students to do advanced research in the field of art
history and to pursue graduate study in the future if desired.
Language proficiency may be demonstrated by: a) completion of
the intermediate level of the language, or b) placement into the
third year of the language by examination.
Minor in Art History: 18 credit hours. Students
may choose courses that provide a general overview of the field
or focus on an area of special interest. N.B.: Art History minors
pursuing the departmental major in Humanities may count all
Art History courses taken toward the Art History minor.
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Art History Major
Art historians pursue careers in higher education, art museums, galleries,
historical societies, publishing, conservation, art dealership and evaluation,
and art criticism. The international character of the art history major
also makes it highly recommended for those interested in foreign service
and international business—areas of immense importance in today’s
world.
Art History Minor
The art history minor will allow the student to apply to most graduate
programs in art history. It can also be used to complement or augment
a major in other areas of the humanities, the sciences, or business
and professional studies. Selection of courses should be made in consultation
with the chair or a designated advisor in the department.
