Art History is the study of the visual arts in civilization. It
examines changing values in all fields of visual culture,
including painting, sculpture, graphics, photography,
architecture, film, the mass media, and forms of popular
expression. Its interdisciplinary reach encompasses literature,
history, anthropology, sociology, philosophy, gender studies,
critical theory, and cultural studies. Art History emphasizes
visual as well as verbal and written literacy, providing more
than the standard advantages to a liberal arts education.
The language of visual culture speaks across boundaries of
history and geography, resonating powerfully in every society.
The study of art history is the study of the expression of
personal and social truths through painting, sculpture,
architecture, photography and other fine and popular arts. As an
art history major, you will draw on aspects of literature,
history, critical theory, philosophy, anthropology and cultural
studies in your efforts to understand the complex reasons that
people create, support and value the visual arts.
