Associate of Arts - Art History - Transfer

Art history is the study of art created in the past by individuals from various cultures and parts of the world. It is the study of the historical development of art as social and intellectual phenomenon, the analysis of works of art and art conservation. Students study specific periods, cultures, styles and themes. The art historian seeks to interpret and understand works of art of many types, ranging from the monumental to small scale, by learning about artists’ lives and their societies. Students are prepared for a wide range of professional careers – in museums, galleries, auction houses or publishing, including antique dealer, art appraiser, art dealer, art restorer and museum curator.

Upon completion of the program, students will have proficiency in the written and verbal critical analysis of diverse visual cultures and artworks, demonstrate the basics of aesthetic formal analysis, and gain the vocabulary necessary to conduct a coherent critical investigation of artworks in both written and verbal form, as well as the ability to situate those artworks within a social context and a historical chronology. Additionally, students will demonstrate the ability to explore the function of aesthetic objects, the materials and techniques of artistic production, systems of patronage, the conventions of representation, and the relationship between art, politics, race, gender, sexuality, and power.