Overview

Art history may sound new to a lot of students, but since visual expression through objects permeates virtually every human culture, it is very easy to relate and it intersects with a wide range of issues and practices including politics, religion, philosophy, science, technology, and everyday life. We aim to teach students how to understand the significance of works of art in their historical context. Students can expect to learn how to look analytically; to read and interpret texts related to the production and the reception; to study the practices that underpinned the making and viewing of images; and to become familiar with the range of methods and approaches of which art historians make use.

New comers are not expected to have prior knowledge in art history, nor a studio art portfolio at all. As long as you are active in learning, brave to express your thoughts, and curious about the unknown, we are most delighted to have you on board and experience together what art can be!

Roslyn L. HAMMERS
Roslyn L. HAMMERS
Undergraduate Coordinator
UG Handbook

Admission

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Current Courses

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Major & Minor

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BA Syllabus

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Path of Learning

As the students progress through the program in Art History, they encounter increasing complexities of visual literary and develop abilities to analyze, read, and interpret works of art. Students also study techniques and materials that are employed in art production. Learning activities include lectures, discussions and seminars, but also may extend outside the classroom with object sessions and museum visits.

1000-level courses

Introductory classes

Emphasis of Learning

Developing an awareness and understanding of the canonical works

5-6 tutorial sessions
5-7 pages of writing

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2000-level courses

Advanced courses

Emphasis of Learning

Acquiring knowledge of established historical interpretations and discussing art theory and art historical scholarship

4 tutorial sessions
8-12 pages of writing

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3000-level courses

A mix of lecture and seminar

Emphasis of Learning

Exploring materials that challenge established scholarship or advance its findings in streamlined topics

Longer class sessions
or 4 tutorial sessions
10-14 pages of writing

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4000-level courses

Capstone courses, internship

Emphasis of Learning

Immersing in intensive learning in seminars and acquiring critical approaches to art history

No tutorials
Individual consultations
15-20 pages of writing

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Internship

We offer local and overseas, credit-bearing and non-credit-bearing internship opportunities. Find out more >

Our partnering non-profit art institutions this year:

Assessment

Coursework

All undergraduate courses offered in the department are assessed by 100% coursework.

Coursework may include essays, research papers, tests, participation in tutorials and seminars, oral presentations, and other work as specified by the course instructor.

Research Essays
  • Asian Art Essay Prize winning essays (read)
With Technology

Students are introduced to different 3D design software to create virtual exhibition spaces for their curatorial projects,

  • Sketchup in ARTH2055 Crossing cultures: China and the outside world (2021-2022)
    • Worlds within a World >>
  • Artsteps in ARTH2065 Introduction to Islamic art and architecture (2018-2019)
    • Islamic Chinoiserie by Stephanie Yang >>
    • Dynamic Ceramics by Tinnix He >>
    • Islam in the Far East by Charlie Shen >>

Other student projects

  • Video projects in ARTH2094 Medieval art and architecture (2018-2019) >>
  • Photography project in ARTH 2092 Photography in North America (2020-2021) >>

Teaching development project

Policies on Plagiarism