The Major

The major requires a minimum of 13 courses (41 credits) in Art History, distributed as follows:

Two out of the four survey courses (all surveys are 4 credits):

100 Ancient to Renaissance

110 Baroque to Modern

115 Introduction to the Visual Arts

118 History of Architecture and the Built Environment

(Majors are strongly encouraged to take 100 and 110.)

One course at any level in each of the two areas: Non-Western, Architecture.

One upper-level course in each of the following five areas: Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance/ Baroque, Modern/Contemporary, American.

Three upper-level electives, all of which must be in Art History. Where appropriate, students will be encouraged to enroll in related courses in other departments as well.

A maximum of four courses taken outside the Program may be counted toward the major.

All majors must take the Program writing course, ART-HIST 370, in the fall semester of their junior year.

Courses in Art History must be completed with a grade of C or above in order to be counted toward the major. All 300-level courses are open to undergraduates who have satisfied prerequisites.

Majors are encouraged to select courses in a wide range of media, historical periods, and geographical areas. They are also urged to gain a reading knowledge of at least two foreign languages; knowledge of languages is essential for further study, for research, and for many careers in the field.

For the degree with Departmental Honors, a student must meet the requirements for the major, maintain a high GPA, complete two honors courses in art history, and successfully complete a thesis or a two-semester-long independent study project.

Special Programs

Students are encouraged to enrich the required program of courses with study abroad and internships in related fields. A combination of practical, hands-on experience and rigorous academic study has contributed to the notable success enjoyed by majors continuing to work and study in the field after graduation.

Study Abroad: Many majors study abroad, especially in their junior year, either individually or in exchange programs sponsored by the University. International Programs, tel. (413) 545-2710, has information about study in various programs outside the United States for one semester, for the year, or during the summer. Among the countries in which students have studied are Italy, France, England, Germany, and Turkey.

Internships: Dealing directly with works of art in museums or galleries, consulting special collections related to art history in libraries, or working in the field of historic preservation can be essential parts of an undergraduate education. Students in the department have recently interned at the Museum of Fine Arts and Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, the Cloisters and Guggenheim Museum in New York, the Museum of Fine Arts in Springfield, and Historic Deerfield, as well as museums in cities as distant as Cincinnati and Indianapolis. Art History students should contact faculty members in particular fields, the Director of Undergraduate Studies, and the Field Experience Office for information about internships.