Art History BA and Minor Program Specifics

Here we provide information on course requirements, course descriptions and an Academic Rhode Map for each program, a semester-by-semester plan to help you toward graduation in four years.

Course Requirements 

Course Descriptions

Academic Rhode Map

• Plan of Study approved by assigned advisor
• Declaration of Major Form, indicating studio concentration
• Portfolio Review in ART 101 and 104, resulting in a minimum grade of C
• Portfolio Review demonstrating minimum grade equivalency required for program credit for studio art courses taken at another institution or credit for advanced placement courses.  

Please Note: For information on transferring credit for courses taken at another institution or credit for advanced placement art courses, see Art Transfer Students  or obtain guidelines in the main office of ALEX AND ANI Hall. 

Retention Requirements

• minimum grade of C+ in all courses in the program
• completion of all studio foundations courses, with a positive portfolio review resulting in a minimum grade of C in each course

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to demonstrate: 

• general knowledge of the monuments and principal artists of all major art periods of the past, including a broad understanding of the art of the 20th century and acquaintance with the art history of non-Western cultures
• general knowledge of world history
• knowledge of the tools and techniques of scholarship
• functional knowledge of the creative process
• adequate mastery of at least one foreign language to support research through the reading of primary source materials, as is appropriate to the student's areas of interest

In what ways is writing important to your profession? 

The Art Department offers three separate undergraduate majors: art education, art history and studio art. Across these areas, students will learn to write clearly and analytically about works of art, whether they are made by the students themselves or by other artists. 

If you are pursuing the studio art major (BA or BFA), you must be able to write clear and interesting artist statements, job applications, and grant and commission proposals. 

If you are pursuing the art history major, especially if you are interested in graduate studies, you must be able to write research papers. Jobs in museums and galleries require the ability to write clearly and concisely, including descriptions of artworks, business letters and grant applications. 

If you are pursuing the art education major, you must be able to write lesson plans and other kinds of documents specific to the education field.  

Which courses are designated as satisfying the Writing in the Discipline (WID) requirement by your department? Why these courses? 

Two courses satisfy the WID requirement for all three majors in the Art Department: Art 231: Prehistoric to Renaissance Art and Art 232: Renaissance to Modern Art. If you are an art studio major, area-specific writing in upper-level studio classes complements the writing in art history. If you are an art education major, you will write in numerous upper-level courses, as well. 

What forms or genres of writing will you learn and practice in your WID courses? Why these genres? 

The genres of writing students in the Art Department learn to write vary by major. In Art 231 and 232 students write descriptions, analyses and comparisons of individual artworks – these are the most basic components of writing in art and must be mastered to develop either as an artist, art educator or art historian. 

In advanced and upper level courses, art students write research papers and responses to art historical scholarship, learning to integrate the ideas of other writers into their work and to deepen their understanding of artworks and art movements. 

What kinds of teaching practices will you encounter in your WID courses? 

You will encounter many different kinds of teaching practices, including scaffolded writing projects, peer review, in-class writing, writing-to-learn exercises and discussions of and lectures on writing and writing assignments. 

When you have satisfied your WID requirement, you should be able to: 

Write interpretive descriptions and comparisons of artworks, thesis papers based on artworks, research papers, artist statements, cover letters and project proposals. 

Declaring a minor allows you to explore other areas of interest and make interdisciplinary connections. Minor areas at RIC complement and reinforce all major areas of study. By declaring a minor, you can set yourself apart as a candidate for job, internship and volunteer opportunities. 

A minor in art history expands your edge as you explore further, dig deeper, and make more connections among objects, monuments, and the larger world. Broaden your knowledge of visual art, hone superior skills in critical thinking, and gain marketable experience in research, writing, and collaboration. The art history minor distinguishes you as a candidate for coveted professional opportunities. 

Minor in Art History