Course description
Requirements for the Major in Art History
A major in art history at Pitzer College invites students to understand the history of art through interdisciplinary approaches, a global outlook and an interest in ethnic and gender diversity. Through the Five College Joint Art History Program, Pitzer College cooperates with Pomona College and Scripps College in offering courses in the history of African, Asian, European and North American art. Course offerings are designed to provide students with a broad grounding in the history of art, with attention to European as well as non-European traditions and to invite students to learn to analyze artworks in their complex relations to cultural, historical, political and philosophical/spiritual contexts.
Specialties of art history faculty in the five colleges Joint Art History Program include architecture and fresco painting in Italy; the art of Africa and of artists of African descent in the Americas; the history of cities and gardens; issues of gender and the body in Early Modern art; the social history of North American art, including Native American traditions, from the 16th century to the present and contemporary art as a global discourse.
The major in Art History requires the successful completion of eleven courses:
* Introductory surveys, Arhi 51A or 51B; Arhi 51C
* One course in studio art
* Seven additional courses in Art History, including at least one course in
non-European art and one seminar
* Senior seminar/thesis course: 191A, B
Exceptions to the requirements above must be approved by the student’s major adviser. In addition, art history majors must demonstrate reading knowledge of a foreign language. All majors are encouraged to undertake coursework in classics, literature, music, history, philosophy, and studio art as appropriate adjuncts to the art history Major. Students are strongly encouraged to apply for summer internships in museums, galleries, restoration facilities and art studios and to explore the possibilities of study abroad for their junior year.
Minor in Art History:
The minor in art history requires the successful completion of six courses
* Introductory surveys: Arhi 51A or 51B; Arhi 51C
* Four additional courses in art history, including at least one course in non-European art and one seminar.
