Bachelor of Art - Art History
The Bachelor of Arts in Art History is designed for a student whose primary interest is in the study of visual expression of the past, rather than the creation of new and innovative artworks. Upon completion of the degree, graduates will have attained a general knowledge of the monuments and principal artists of major art periods of the past and a broad understanding of the art of the twentieth and twenty-first century.
Coursework
Art History courses focus not only on the material aspects of cultural expression, but also how art reflects other aspects of society, including history, politics, religion, science, and technology. They are designed to provide students with experience looking at art, as well as thinking about the broader issues of the interaction between art and society, and the intersection of economics, religion, and science with visual expression and the built environment. All courses are taught through lecture and discussion, and course assignments include exams, research writing, presentations, and discussions. Active research and writing of analytical and critical essays continue from beginning through advanced level courses. In addition to their Art History courses, students in the major take studio courses as well. This combination of historical study and practical application allows students to develop a deeper understanding of art in all its aspects.
Study Abroad
We encourage students to study abroad during their time at Truman. For art majors this can be a particularly powerful experience. Seeing artwork in its original context — for example, a painting above the altar for which it was commissioned or a temple still in use after 1000 (or 2000) years — can open up a completely new understanding of the impact of art on society. Traveling with an academic program (whether for a summer, a semester, or a full year) provides an organized framework for experiencing and absorbing visual culture in ways that can affect your art for the rest of your life. As an artist or art historian the complete immersion in a new visual environment impacts not only how you look at art of other periods and places, but also how you look at your own. Several study abroad programs are offered by Truman, including semester/year-long ones in which students can take numerous art classes, as well as short term programs led by Truman art and art history faculty. However you do it, study abroad can inspire you to look at the world in completely new ways. Visit this student site to learn more: http://www2.truman.edu/~klg073/
Professional Applications
The Bachelor of Arts degree is designed to provide students with a broad Liberal Arts background, one that emphasizes written and oral communication in addition to critical analysis of evidence and the careful evaluation of data. Students graduating with this degree have pursued careers in a wide variety of areas. For example: public relations, museum administration, teaching, and a variety of jobs in the corporate and business worlds.
Graduate Study
Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Art: Art History degree have pursued graduate work in Art History, Education, Library Studies, Art Conservation, and Arts Administration. Students receiving B.A. degrees at Truman have pursued advanced degrees at the Institute of Art (New York University), Virginia Commonwealth University, American University, George Washington University, University of California-Santa Barbara, Washington University, The John Hopkins University, Case Western Reserve University, and the University of Alabama, among others.
Instructors
- Dr. Julia DeLancey
- Dr. James Harmon
- Dr. Sara E. Orel