Art History

A major in art history provides you with an understanding of the visual arts in relation to society, culture and history.

Particular strengths of the department include medieval art, Renaissance and Baroque art, 20th-century art, American art, Asian art, African art and architectural history. We also offer courses in Islamic art and museum studies.

Since the history of art provides an avenue into the study of the history of culture, you'll be encouraged to enroll in relevant courses in history, literature, music, anthropology, and gender and women's studies. Art history majors are encouraged to study foreign languages. German and French are especially recommended if you are contemplating graduate study.

Local resources for the study of art history include:

• Lyman Allyn Art Museum
• Wetmore Print Collection (in the department)
• Chu-Griffis Asian Art Collection in the College's Shain Library
• Visual Resources Library
• Various local museums