Art is all around us, not just in museums or galleries, and through classes in art
history students sharpen their perception of visual images in a world where ideas
and information are increasingly communicated through visual media.
Art is often regarded as concrete evidence of the human desire to communicate. In
Art History we investigate this evidence, from building to bowl, cave painting to
contemporary performance art, with a concern for form, meaning and cultural context.
The Winthrop University Art History degree includes courses covering the arts of the world, from Africa to Europe, and Asia to the Americas. An undergraduate student can major or minor in art history and any student interested in music, literature, psychology, anthropology, politics and many other areas will find a complement to these subjects in art history.
The Art History B.A. degree program is designed to produce a well-rounded graduate, prepared for a variety of career options. To that end, we offer courses covering the arts of the Western and non-Western world from antiquity to the present. The program cultivates critical thinking, research, writing and speaking skills as well as an understanding of the interconnectedness of art history with other disciplines. Art history majors are encouraged to engage with local, regional, national, and international communities through opportunities such as internships, study abroad, service learning, and student organizations.
Our Bachelor of Arts in Art History degree is designed to produce a well-rounded graduate, prepared for a variety of career options. Students study in small classes within the context of an outstanding fine arts university. Critical thinking, research, writing and speaking skills are cultivated at Winthrop University. Art History majors are encouraged to take studio art classes to gain experience in the techniques of making art. Study abroad opportunities and courses with a travel component are offered annually. Through internships and museum practice courses, our undergraduates gain professional experience for the job market. A variety of student organizations and symposia also offer opportunities for students to hone their professional skills.
Winthrop has exchange and partner programs with over 20 international institutions. With these programs, Winthrop students pay their regular tuition to Winthrop and study at one of our partner universities abroad. Art history majors have studied abroad in Florence, Italy; Aix-en-Provence, France; and London, England just to name a few. The fifth or sixth semester junior year (in addition to multiple summer study options) is generally the best semester to study abroad. Through a combination of language, art history, studio, humanities, conservation, and museum studies courses at the abroad institution, art history majors are able to study abroad without delaying graduation. It is imperative however, that students work with their art history advisor, or the department chair, prior to selecting a study abroad institution and planned course of study abroad to insure transfer and major credit.
The Department of Fine Arts offers scholarships for prospective first-year and transfer students who declare a major in art history as well as opportunities for current students. Students who plan to join Winthrop for the first time can apply for a Dean’s Meritorious Award, which is based on merit and renewable for up to three years. Students who are interested in applying must submit an art history essay, which will be reviewed by the faculty. Current art history majors may apply for a variety of departmental awards, including an art history PALS Award, which is typically awarded to support student travel related to study abroad programs or to present papers at academic conferences.
Global Arts and Visual Culture
Students who complete a bachelor’s degree in art history will have a platform of knowledge applicable for careers in art museums, galleries, auction houses, art libraries, tourism/hospitality, or cultural heritage institutions, or graduate study in art history and visual culture, design, architecture, arts administration, or museum studies.
Internships are offered and managed in collaboration with the Center for Career Development and Internships under ARTT 340 and ARTH 340. Students have identified opportunities at museums, galleries, and arts organizations throughout the region.
Art History Program Works (pdf - 3.11 MB)
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