The Major in the History of Art seeks to deepen students’ knowledge of artistic production and practice over the scope of human history, as well as to broaden awareness of the critical and interpretive aims of the discipline itself.  Students develop skills in the analysis of works of art, sharpen their understanding of the social, cultural, and personal values embodied by works, and explore the relation of art history to other disciplines.  The Department particularly encourages a broad geographic understanding of art production and encourages students to consider the relations and distinctions among different visual cultures.

With these goals in mind, Majors pursue the following course of study:

• 13 course units are required, all must be Art History department courses.

• History of Art 001 and 002 are required.

• Students must take three seminars at the 300 level, one methods
course and two of their choosing.

• As many as three courses may be taken abroad in Penn programs. They
should be chosen in consultation with the undergraduate chair.

• The undergraduate chair assists majors in choosing electives suited
to their areas of interest.

• Majors are strongly advised to take at least three years of French or German.

• Majors are encouraged during their senior year to attend the
colloquium series.