Art History Major

In a world filled with images, Art History offers a critical means of understanding visual culture in an increasingly globalized world. The Art History program at Saint Joseph’s covers major artistic developments in traditional and new media throughout history. Art History is an interdisciplinary field that encourages students to explore the many intersections between art and politics, religion, science, history and philosophy, among many other areas. Through close analysis of art and architecture Art History students develop strong critical evaluation skills and a wide-ranging cultural literacy.

The proximity of Saint Joseph's University to Philadelphia and New York allows Art History students to visit the many art museums and galleries in these cities. Most Art History classes are held in the Frances M. Maguire Art Museum (housed in the former Barnes Foundation building), where students have access to objects in SJU’s permanent collection, as well as rotating exhibitions. Art History students also study abroad, gaining exposure to some of the most renowned works of art and architecture around the globe. In their junior or senior year, Art History majors (optional for minors) take a research seminar focusing on a topic of their choice. Junior and senior Art History majors and minors also have the opportunity to complete an internship related to their career plans after graduation. Students studying Art History go on to a wide range of careers, including museums, galleries, publishing, education, and fashion. As a strong liberal art undergraduate degree, Art History prepares students for many other career paths, as well.

Goal 1: To develop an understanding of the visual characteristics and historical contexts of works of art

Outcome 1.1: Art history students will be able to identify the visual characteristics of works of art

Outcome 1.2.: Art history students will be able to identify the historical circumstances in which works of art were created (for example, function; patronage; motivation; movement, etc.)

Goal 2: To develop the necessary resources to research and write about art history

Outcome 2.1: Art history students will be able to identify and use appropriate tools to conduct research in art history

Outcome 2.2: Art history students will be able to write clearly and effectively about works of art

 

The traditional undergraduate programs includes a minimum of 120 credits distributed across three components: A General Education component divided into Signature Courses, Variable Courses, and an Integrative Learning requirement; a Major and Divisional component; and Free Electives. In addition to course requirements as specified in each area, students must complete one certified course in each of the following overlay areas1:

  1. Diversity, Globalization or Non-western Area Studies,
  2. Ethics Intensive
  3. Writing Intensive, and
  4. Diversity
1

Overlay requirements are part of the 120 credit requirements

General Education Signature Courses

See this page about Signature courses

General Education Variable Courses

See this page about Variable courses. Six to Nine courses

General Education Overlays

See this page about Overlays.

General Education Integrative Learning Component

See this page about Integrative Learning Component. Three courses:

Select three of the following 19
Any course from the following Departments:
Biology, Chemistry, Classics, Communication and Media Studies, English, Environmental Studies, Francophone Studies, History, Italian Studies, Music Theatre and Film, Philosophy, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Theology, French/German/Italian/Spanish/Chinese (303 or higher)
Total Hours9
1

PHL 310 is recommended as an ILC

Major Requirements: 

Required
ARH 101Intro to Global Art History I3
ARH 102Intro to Global Art History II3
ARH 480Art History Research Seminar3
Any six (6) art history courses. At least two (2) that include non-Western art and/or architecture. Students may also choose from the CLA, HIS, ITA, IST, and REL courses listed below, although at least 2 courses must be ARH courses. If Art History is a student's 2nd major, ARH 480 is optional.18
Art of Africa/African Diaspora
History of Global Architecture
East Asian Art & Architecture
Latin American Art & Architect
Women, Gender, and Art
Traditions of Art
Elements of Art/Barnes Method
Art and Medicine
First Year Seminar
Special Topics in Art History
Art History &Photography:Italy
Encountering Mystery
Medvl Art Ctcombs to Cthdrals
Renaissance Art & Architecture
Baroque Art and Architecture
Revolution to Realism1780-1880
Impressionism& PostImpressiosm
American Art and Architecture
Modern Art & Architecture
Contemporary Art & Architect
Museum Studies
Art & Magazines
History of Photography
Mystery&Monument:Anc Greece
Mystery&Monument:Anc Rome
Museum Internship
Sports & Spectacle Greece/Rome
Rebels&Revolutionaries:Art&Lit
The Roman Experience
The Roman Experience
Italy Through Art
Art Fashion: la moda italiana
Italian Art and Artists
Italy Through Art
The Art of Dante's Inferno
Religion & Art in East Asia
One (1) studio art course3
Introduction to Studio Art
Art Therapy
Illustration I
Drawing I
Painting I
Landscape Painting
Printmaking
Landscape Drawing
Contemp Botanical Illustration
Anatomy and Life Drawing
3-D Studio Art
Pottery I
Mosaics I
Ceramics I
Figurative Sculpture
Sculpture and the Environment
Intro to Sculpture/Mixed Media
Social Justice Through Sculpt
Japanese Pottery & Tea Culture
Phoneography
Special Topics
Camera-less Photography
Darkroom Photography I
Digital Photography I
Historical Photo Processes
Image Manipulation: Photoshop
Photography & Climate Crisis
Photography: Truth & Privilege
2D Animation
Drawing II
Concepts and Artmaking
Painting II
Sculpture II
Pottery II
Ceramic Surface Design
Ceramics II
Atmospheric Firing: Wood/Salt
Ceramic Sculpture
Sculpture Mixed Media II
Figurative Sculpture II
Darkroom Photography II
Commercial Photography
Experimental Digital Photo
Works on Paper
Drawing III
Painting III
Sculpture III
Ceramics III
DirectedProjects - Photography
Photo Essay/Docu Photo
Adv. Comm. Studio Photography
Ceramics IV
Total Hours30

Independent Study Program

Independent study courses may be taken for upper division credit in a student’s major department. Advanced or specialized work in Art and Art History may be pursued under the guidance of a faculty mentor within the independent study program. Students requesting an independent study should contact the faculty member to be involved in the project at least two weeks prior to the registration period. Students must submit a written project proposal which outlines topics and goals.

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman
FallHours
ARH 101 Intro to Global Art History I 3
Math Beauty 3
Non-Native Language I 3
ARH 150 First Year Seminar (another First Year Seminar ) 3
ENG 101 Craft of Language 3
 Hours15
Spring
ARH 102 Intro to Global Art History II 3
PHL 154 Moral Foundations 3
Non-Native Language II 3
HIS 154 Forging the Modern World 3
ENG 102 Texts & Contexts 3
 Hours15
Sophomore
Fall
Art History Elective 3
Studio Art course 3
THE 154 Catholic Theological Tradition 3
Social/Behavioral Science 3
Free-Elective 3
 Hours15
Spring
Art History Elective 3
Integrative Learning Courses 3
Phil Anthropology 3
Free-Elective 6
 Hours15
Junior
Fall
Art History Elective 3
PHL 310 Philosophy of Art 3
Art, MTF, or Literature 3
Natural Science 3
Free-Elective 3
 Hours15
Spring
Integrative Learning Course 3
Religious Difference 3
Art History Elective 3
Free-Elective 6
 Hours15
Senior
Fall
Art History Elective 3
Faith and Reason 3
ARH 480 Art History Research Seminar 3
Free-Elective 6
 Hours15
Spring
Art History Elective 3
Free-Elective 9
ARH 481 Museum Internship (optional, a second ARH elective may be taken in its place) 3
 Hours15
 Total Hours120