Art History
CURRICULUM AND GOALS
Georgetown's Art History Program offers an undergraduate major and minor. Courses at introductory, intermediate and advanced levels focus on a range of historical periods, cultures, and media, as well as methods of study and problems of interpretation and criticism.
The study of art develops visual and critical abilities, and trains students to relate direct observation to appropriate historical, political, social and environmental contexts, and to use their experiences in languages, literature, philosophy, theology, and a variety of other fields of study. Most art history courses (prefix ARTH) emphasize the study of original works of art in Washington area museums, and many involve intensive research and writing experience.
Requirements for the Major in Art History
A major in Art History consists of ten courses; nine in Art History, and one studio course. ARTH 101, 102 or an AP score of 4 or 5 are prerequisites for advanced courses.
Required courses for the major (10 courses, 30 hours)
-2 Introductory courses, ARTH 101, 102
-4 Introductory or Intermediate (ARTH 100–200 level) courses from at least three of the following groups: Ancient/Medieval; Renaissance/Baroque; Modern/American; and Non-European art.
-3 Advanced (400 level) courses. At least two courses must be art history seminars. ARTH 470 (Museum Internship) or ARTH 490 (Senior Thesis) or an approved AMUS or cross-listed seminar may replace the third art history seminar with prior permission of supervising professor.
-1 Studio Art course
Requirements for the Minor in Art History
A minor in Art History or Art consists of six courses in that discipline. It is possible to major in one discipline and minor in the other. Minors who are not majors in either Art or Art History may take one course in the other discipline for credit toward the minor, with approval. For both minors, at least four courses must be taken within the department.
Required courses for the minor (6 courses)
-1 course dealing with art before 1600
-1 course dealing with art after 1600
-4 other art history or approved cross-listed courses. One elective may be an art course, with advisor’s approval.
