Art History Courses

The Bachelor of Arts in Art History is a liberal arts degree developed with some flexibility in mind. If you see your future in a gallery or museum setting, then the class in Museum Studies plus internship credits sets you on the right path. Additionally, all Bachelor of Arts programs require a Minor concentration. If you are drawn to art making as well as art history, then choose a studio art minor. If you are considering a career in art restoration or conservation, then a minor in chemistry is beneficial. Or, if you are interested in art appraisals or auction houses as a career, then a minor in business or entrepreneurship is ideal. In short, you can maximize the potential of your Bachelor of Arts in Art History through the minor concentration you choose, and there are a number of viable choices at Belmont University.

Regardless of the combination selected, graduates are qualified to apply for masters and doctoral degree programs upon graduation. Advanced studies increase your career options and are essential for teaching at the college level, and for many positions within a museum setting.

Courses in Art History fall within three broad areas:

• Historical surveys
• Research and methods studies
• Special topics seminars for in-depth study of a period or theme: Postmodernism, American Art, African-American Art, History of Photography, Asian Art & Architecture, Modern Latin American Art, and Women in Art are a few of the special topics currently offered on a rotating basis.

 

• ART 2800, Art History I (3)

3 Hours

This is a general survey of the history of Western art and architecture from the prehistoric through the mid-Gothic period. Particular emphasis will be made on the stylistic achievements of the Graeco-Roman and Gothic eras. The primary course objective will be placed on students learning to make distinctions between the various historical styles as well as writing about the purposes of these styles. All students completing the course should be able to identify and discuss aspects of the basic form and content of any of the styles according to specific periods, schools or artists, and will complete a special research topic or project within a chosen area of interest.

Gen. Ed. Designation: GS (G - Global Studies).

• ART 4015, Art Senior Capstone (3)
3 Hours 

Students will reflect on and assess their educational experiences to prepare for their transition to life beyond the university. Among the primary course questions are: “What is a Meaningful Life?” and “What is my role in choosing and creating that life?” Potential answers to these and related questions will be made through a series of assignments and projects which require intentional thinking, discussing, writing and other creative activities, both in and out of class. This course is offered in the fall semester only. Taken in the Fall semester prior to Spring graduation only. 

• ART 1000, Introduction to Visual Interpretation (3)
3 Hours 

Prerequisites: Open to Art majors only or by permission of instructor 

An introductory study of Art and Design (open to Art majors only) emphasizing the analysis and interpretation of images drawn from various global and historical contexts. Conceptual and formal links between the visual arts and the cultural frameworks through which they are produced, viewed and critiqued are stressed. This is a required foundation course for all first-year art majors. 

• ART 2810, Art History II (3)

3 Hours

This is the second part of a general survey of the history of Western art and architecture and covers the Late Gothic to the Modernist era. Particular emphasis will be made on the stylistic achievements of the Renaissance and the 19th century. The primary course objectives remain the same in principle as ART 2800.

Gen. Ed. Designation: GS (G - Global Studies).

• ART 3650, Museum Studies (3)
3 Hours 

Prerequisites: ART 2800, ART 2810, SOC 2010. 

Introduction to the philosophy, purposes, structure, historical development and future of museums. Examines functions of collection, conservation, research, exhibition/interpretation, and social/cultural services; museum field growth. 

• ART 3660, Art History Research and Methodology (3)
3 Hours 

Prerequisites: ART 2800, ART 2810, SOC 2010. 

An intensive study of the nature of art history as an intellectual discipline and of the approaches scholars have taken to various art historical problems. Attention as well to principles of current art historical research and writing. Recommended for juniors who have declared art history as a major. 

• ART 4630, Asian Art & Architecture (3)
3 Hours 

Prerequisites: ART 2800, ART 2810 or permission of instructor. 

This course will provide a survey of the arts of Asia including India, Korea, China, and Japan. Through a study of the historical and religious context of works of architecture, sculpture, and painting, the course will attempt to discover the themes that unify the artistic traditions of Asia and those the set them apart and will cover topics including the development of images of the Buddha in India, landscape painting in China and Japan, and Japanese woodblock prints. 

Gen. Ed. Designation: GS (G - Global Studies).

• ART 4740, Contemporary Art (3)
3 Hours 

A study of the visual arts from 1980 to the present. This course moves beyond the considerations of modernism, to examine the revolutionary theories and practices in contemporary visual art, and explores how these works reflect current social, political, psychological, and technological realities. 

• ART 4760, Art History _________ (3)

3 Hours 

Prerequisites: ART 2800 and ART 2810 or permission of instructor. 

Any Art History seminar whose topic is not currently listed among those in the university bulletin or catalog, but qualifies as an acceptable substitute.  Topics may include, but are not limited to, the History of Women in Art, American Art, Modern Art, 19th C. Art, Baroque Art, African-American Art, or Contemporary Latin American Art.  Approval of the course is made by the Art Department Chair and/or the appropriate Art History faculty member prior to student registration.  

(take a minimum of 3 times under different topics)

• ART 2200, Exhibit/Workshop Attendance (0)
0 Hours 

Students will be expected to attend a minimum of five student, faculty and guest exhibits, artist workshops, assemblies and master classes during the semester. This requirement applies to all art majors for each semester they are enrolled as a declared major and two semesters total for all art minors. (See individual curricula for specific degree requirements.)