Overview
Art History Concentration | Art History Minor | Department Involvement
The Art History concentration introduces students to the artistic achievements of human civilizations by studying the visual arts of a variety of cultures in depth. In the process, students will develop a sensitivity to the visual environment. The study of art history incorporates intellectual, social, economic, and political history, thus offering a vivid and tangible introduction to the history and achievements of human culture. Our program is structured to ensure that majors have a general knowledge of art history and are capable of thoughtful analysis of the visual languages of art. All art history courses emphasize developing skills in research and writing. Art history provides a solid intellectual foundation for students with a variety of interests.
Art Major: Art History Concentration
Advice for Majors
Declare your major as soon as you are relatively certain of it. Select an advisor in the Art Department -- consult her or him frequently.
Art Studio - 2 units required
Whenever possible:
Take basic studio or introduction to drawing in your first or second year.
Art History - 9 units required (7 units of Art History courses and 2 units of Capstone courses)
The nine art history courses shall include sevel electives and the two-block senior capstone experience (AH412, NY trip/Senior Seminar, and AH415, Senior Thesis). No more than two of the electives can be at the introductory level. Majors are strongly encouraged to choose a broad range of courses, both chronological and geographical, exploring the department’s offerings in both western and global cultures.
Foreign Study
If at all possible participate in a foreign study program or take a CC block abroad. Investigate the possibilities early. You may wish to study in a country whose language and/or art you are particularly interested in. Many study abroad programs offer art history courses. Remember only three courses taken at another institution can be counted towards the major.
Language Requirement
Although the Art Department does not have a foreign language requirement, students who are considering graduate studies in art history should study at least one foreign language.
Art History Minor
Minor in Art History (6 units)
The art history minor consists of six units, five art history units--at least three at the 200 or 300 level--and one unit of studio art (at the 100 level or at a more advanced level with the permission of the instructor). Only Colorado College courses may count towards the minor, which is open only to non-art majors. The introductory courses provide a broad chronological and geographical introduction, with some methodological focus. More advanced classes encourage concentrated and/or comparative study in one or more areas or periods. The unit of studio art is in keeping with the philosophy of the Art Department that serious study of art history must involve some direct experience of studio art.
Department Involvement
We encourage majors to involve themselves in Art Department activities: lectures, field trips, workshops, teas, etc.
Contact Us
Packard Hall physical address:
5 W Cache La Poudre Street
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
Office: 719.389.6718 or 719.389.6365
Fax: 719.389.6882
Department mailing address:
14 E Cache La Poudre Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903 (regular mail)
819 N. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (packages)