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College of Creative Arts - Art History

Visit the Division of Arts website:
http://art.ccarts.wvu.edu/


The bachelor of arts in Art History provides
a foundation in the history of art and architecture in its cultural and theoretical context. Aesthetic and historical issues have become increasingly central to the creation, display, and reception of art. Division of Art courses in Art History introduce tools for the making and analysis of art: the history of works of art, the language of art, and the cultural context for works of art. The BA curriculum concentrates on a broad range of Western European arts, from ancient and medieval through the Renaissance, to modern and contemporary art, with attention to the importance of critical theory and contemporary visual culture.

Included in the major are required and elective Art History courses, studio art courses, cognate courses, and University- established General Education Curriculum courses. Each semester, Art History field trips travel to study works in regional museums. The WVU Art Collection provides first-hand experience with works of significant aesthetic and cultural value, and introduces students to curatoria
and museum practice. Guest artist and art historian lectures and exhibitions in the Mesaros Galleries are scheduled each semester. Faculty have been recognized through teaching and research awards. To broaden their experiences, students are encouraged to study abroad during one or two semesters of the junior year. Opportunities to study the history of art are also available within the Division of Art’s established international summer programs in Italy, Mexico, and China. In the final semester, the student will complete a senior research project on a topic selected by the student with the approval of the Art History faculty.

Minor in Art History
Students who pursue degrees in other disciplines may find that the study of the history of art enhances comprehension of their primary field of study and permits them to achieve a broader and deeper understanding of cultural history.

Majors in the
College of Creative Arts

Art History BA, MA
Art BFA, MA, MFA
Music BA, B, M, D
Theatre BA, BFA, MFA
B = Bachelor's;
BFA = Bachelor's of Fine Arts;
M = Master's;
MFA = Master's of Fine Arts;
D = Doctorate

For more information about the BA in Art History, please contact Dr. Janet Snyder at 304-293-4841, ext. 3144, or by e-mail at Janet.Snyder@mail.wvu.edu

The WVU College of Creative Arts
Creative development in art, music, and theatre and dance is the purpose of the College of Creative Arts at WVU. A distinguished faculty of studio and performing artists and academicians brings a commitment to the creative process of artistic growth, which is shared with each student. In a rich environment of art exhibits, concerts, and plays, students are offered the knowledge, skills, and inspiration necessary for professional success.

The Creative Arts Center is home to the WVU College of Creative Arts. It is a modern, well-equipped facility devoted to creative development through instruction, performance, and exhibition in art, music, and theatre and dance. The $20 million center features the 1,400-seat Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre that accommodates many College and University productions while providing premiere performance space for touring productions. In addition, the Center has three other theatres—the Gladys G. Davis Theatre, a 225-seat space, and the Antoinette Falbo and Vivian Davis Michael Theatres. Also, for technical and support training, there is a full range of shops. The Bloch Learning and Performance Hall, with seating for 155, and an orchestra/choir rehearsal hall, each with state-of-the-art recording equipment, round out the Center’s theatres.

The Creative Arts Center also boasts large ceramics, printmaking, drawing, painting, sculpture, photographic, and digital studios for instruction in the fine arts. The Mesaros Art Galleries are showcases for the visual arts, featuring exhibitions of internationally renowned visiting artists, faculty and student art, and works from the WVU Art Collections.

The core of the facility, however, is the instructional space. Approximately 50 classrooms and studios and individual office/studio spaces are home-away-from-home for 108 full-time and part-time faculty, staff, and administrators, plus 800 student majors and 3,200 other University students pursuing arts instruction.

Admission
If the University admission requirements are met, students may be admitted to WVU as Art History majors.

Curriculum
BA in the History of Art
This bachelor of arts degree combines a liberal arts degree with an emphasis in Art History. It is ideal for students pursuing an advanced degree in art history, museum studies, or a related field. This is not a studio degree. Students are encouraged to pursue a concomitant minor in a related area of the humanities, such as foreign language, history, philosophy, English, or religious studies.

Accreditation
WVU is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Course Work
BA in Art History
Recommended courses for first-semester freshman

Course
Hours
ENGL 101
3
GEC Courses
3-4
Recommended courses in anthropology, sociology, women's studies, and computer science
Art 111 or 121
3
Art 105 Art History
3
Foreign Language (preferably German, Italian, or French)
3
 
Total
15-16

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Please see the current WVU Undergraduate Catalog for complete course descriptions.

Career Opportunities
Art History graduates can find employment in a variety of fields ranging from business to education. Their broad background allows them to work in a variety of different professions and careers.

Graduate School Opportunities
Students graduating with an Art History degree may choose to continue their education and obtain a master’s degree in a more specialized area of study.

 
     

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