Art History Courses
Academics
The history of Western art is explored, from Paleolithic times through the 20th century. Study includes architecture, sculpture, painting, and graphic art, as students participate in classroom lectures and discussions, and experience the opportunity to study original works in our renowned Museum of Art.
HA 115
Survey of Art I
3 credits
This course offers an historical survey of western art from Paleolithic through Gothic, including architecture, sculpture, painting, and graphic art. Students learn to be articulate about style as well as to recognize the art of different eras. At least two classes are held in a museum to ensure that original art is studied as well as reproductions.
HA 116
Survey of Art II
3 credits
This course begins with the proto-Renaissance art of Giotto around 1300 and ends with the first works of David in the 1780s. It introduces the student to the major figures in Italian Renaissance, Northern Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo art. Prerequisites: HA 115 or equivalent.
HA 215
19th-Century Art
2 credits
This course begins with David in the 1780s and ends with the art of Cézanne and other post-impressionists around 1905. The main emphasis is on French 19th-century art, but the art of other European countries and America is also studied. Prerequisites: HA 115 & HA 116 or equivalents.
HA 216
20th-Century Art
2 credits each semester
This course begins with the art of the Fauves around 1905. It considers the development of cubism and other forms of abstract art around 1910 and the panorama of 20th-century movements, including Constructivism, Futurism, Expressionism, Surrealism, De Stijl and the International Style. European and American developments around mid-century and the art of the 1960s including Pop Art are studied. Prerequisites: HA 115 & HA 116, HA 215 or equivalents.
