Study the Arts, Understand the World
The Art and Architecture History Minor focuses on the different roles that art, architecture, and visual culture have played in human development.
Emphasis is placed on how art reflects not only its specific history, but the aesthetic, social, philosophical, and religious values of the cultures that produce it. Students acquire specialized expertise in the important roles played by visual media in our own society and that of cultures from around the globe.
Eligibility
Open to all students. A minimum 2.0 GPA is required for all courses taken for the minor. Courses must be taken for a grade. Students planning to take this minor should contact the Department of Art.
Art and Architecture History Minor Curriculum and Courses
A minor in art and architecture history provides an understanding of art and visual culture in both historical context and the contemporary world. A complement to any major, it enhances versatility in an economy powered by visual images. Students take a total of 18 semester hours: 6 credits of introductory-level courses, 9 credits of upper-level courses, 3 credits of a seminar. (18 semester hours) Course options include the following:
at miami, there’s something for everyone.
- ART 188 History of Western Art (Renaissance to Contemporary)
- ART 309 The Arts of African Peoples
- ART 314 The Renaissance in Italy
- ART 389 History of Photography
- ART 406 Art Since 1980
At Miami, Art and Architecture History Minor Can:
- Work with outstanding professors with international reputations for their research in the fields of Classical, Renaissance, Baroque, Asian, African, modern, and contemporary art and architecture history.
- Study works of art from across cultures in the permanent collection of the fully accredited Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum.
- Form close mentorships with professors who are passionate about teaching at an institution nationally recognized for its commitment to undergraduate education.
- Apply for focused study abroad programs and internships in locations such as Luxembourg, Florence and Rome, Dublin, and the Czech Republic.
- Apply for internships at the Miami University Art Museum
- Prepare for a wide variety of careers that require critical thinking, visual acuity, and excellent communication skills.
Skills Gained by Studying Art and Architecture History
The Art and Architecture History major and minor at Miami University prepare students for a wider range of career options than many might realize. The content of the history of art will be essential knowledge for anyone looking to work in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions; attend graduate school in art history or related fields; and teach art history at the high school and college level. However, the skills acquired through the study of art history are highly desired by a much broader range of employers, whether related to the arts and humanities or not. Consider the following skills and how they are honed through the study of art history:
Visual Analysis
- Developing tools to assess the function of images in an increasingly visual world.
- Comparatively analyzing works of art to understand their styles, functions, and artistic value.
- Recognizing why works of art look the way that they do and how they communicate information.
Human Relations
- Understanding the functions of created objects from various times and across cultures.
- Identifying a culture’s values and beliefs by studying the objects created in that culture.
- Explaining our own contemporary culture by exploring those of others.
Research
- Gathering, examining, and analyzing evidence in images and primary sources.
- Assessing information and judging its relevance and importance.
- Expanding the horizons of knowledge through novel interdisciplinary investigations.
Communication
- Writing and speaking critically about topics related to created objects.
- Interpreting and organizing complex and often ambiguous information.
- Developing sound arguments supported by logically ordered evidence.
Additional Opportunities for Art and Architecture Minors
Students in the Art and Architecture History minor can tailor their curriculum with a range of opportunities beyond the university classroom.
Flexible Curricular Choices
The flexible structure of the minor in Art and Architecture History allows students to take courses that they want when they want to suit their primary field of study.
Study Abroad
Many study abroad programs offer opportunities to learn about the art and architecture of a particular place often with walking tours and visits to museums and galleries. These courses can easily be counted for the minor.
Curate an Exhibition
Students in the Art and Architecture History minor can take the Capstone Seminar in the fall semester of their senior year. This seminar involves the design and research of actual works of art for an exhibition put on display at the Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum.
Contact Us
Andrew Casper
Professor of Art History
Department of Art
Art Building 124
400 S. Patterson Ave.
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-2910
[email protected]