What Do You Study in Art History?
Art history is a vast subject, and there are many different kinds of classes to choose from. You can focus on ancient art, contemporary art, or art from other cultures. You can also pursue a career in a museum or continue to study for a degree in art.
Research skills
If you are interested in pursuing a career in art history, you can develop valuable research skills by taking classes. Students learn to use written, visual, and oral communication to examine how artworks are created. This skill set can be invaluable in many professions.
Art History majors often participate in undergraduate and graduate research conferences. These events allow students to build professional networks, create resumes, and present original research. They also can learn how to evaluate scholarly sources for trustworthiness.
Art history courses also allow students to develop critical thinking and analytical skills. The method identifies world-famous works of art and explores the relationship between people and the artworks that they produce.
Students can also develop writing and speaking skills through class projects and research papers. In addition, students can create foreign language and other cultural skills through study abroad components.
Writing skills
Art History students develop writing skills that serve them in various professional fields. They also get a chance to take courses on topics that interest them and complete projects and presentations.
One of the most common assignments is a research paper. This assignment requires students to formulate a good question, plan an investigation, conduct the study, and write the results.
Another common assignment is to write a paper that uses a visual analysis of artwork to support your argument. This might include a poster, a coin, or an illustration.
Examples include a thesis paper, a journal article, or a research conference presentation. Each of these requires a different set of skills. Depending on your discipline, you may need to use primary sources, conduct a thorough analysis, or submit your paper to an academic journal for publication.
Non-Western or global perspectives on art
Art history studies art from the perspective of different cultures and societies worldwide. This is often termed global or non-western perspectives.
These approaches can be used to understand better the development of culture, social and political history, and the appropriation of art. Global perspectives are also helpful for developing skills and knowledge about diversity within a discipline. Taking an interdisciplinary approach to art history allows students to understand how different cultures can impact how we view and interact with the world.
An emphasis on the European tradition characterized the early days of art history. Early scholars celebrated the ideals of academic art. They borrowed ideas from philosophy, psychology, and anthropology. During the colonial period, art historians also adopted a colonial perspective.
Careers in museums
Careers in museums and art history offer a fascinating and rewarding way to bring your passions to life. Working in a museum may involve outreach, research, and giving presentations to large groups. Having a job in this field can be quite a feat, and the competition is fierce. Luckily, there are many opportunities to help you succeed.
The American Alliance of Museums is an excellent resource for finding jobs in the museum world. They offer a variety of opportunities, from project developer to director.
Many of these jobs require a degree. While it’s not the same as earning a doctorate, a master’s degree or certificate can prepare you for a wide range of museums and art history careers.
Museums and other related organizations have been around for centuries. Their mission is to preserve and share essential artifacts. These organizations are often nonprofits and receive funding from public and private sources.
Continuing education
Art history is a discipline that provides an interdisciplinary approach to analyzing visual culture. As art historians, we study the function of artworks, the relationship between paintings and the viewer, and the way artworks have been written. We also consider how artworks have shaped society.
While many majors in art history study architecture, students can also focus on different media and aesthetic movements, such as minimalism or postmodernism. They can choose to study a broad range of visual studies issues, including the use of color, abstraction, and the influence of social and political movements.
The Associate of Arts, Fine Arts, and Art History program is designed to prepare students for transfer into baccalaureate programs. Students are introduced to art history fundamentals and develop research and writing skills. They also learn about artistic traditions, critical analysis’s importance, and visual literacy development.