Minor in Art History
About the Minor
Through the Art History minor, students explore how artworks, designed objects, mass communication forms, and built environments shape and are shaped by their political, social, and personal contexts. Students develop skills in visual analysis, argument construction, and effective communication, while also expanding their knowledge of historical and contemporary discourses. Cross-cultural and interdisciplinary, the field of art history illuminates the diverse and global worlds we inhabit as well as the integral relationships between art, design, and lived experience. In our program, students learn how to explore these contexts critically and compassionately.
The Art History minor is a flexible program that allows students to pursue their interests. Students begin with foundational courses exploring global dynamics in art and design. They then move on to courses that offer deep dives into specific regions, styles, and cultural themes. Art History minors may also take courses across Westphal’s dynamic Media Arts & Design Programs, in histories of fashion, architecture, film, game design, animation, photography, and more. Our cohort also explores Philadelphia’s vibrant art scene and learns how cultural organizations operate and develop their projects for the public.
Admission Requirements
Students are required to declare a major before declaring a minor. Students admitted directly into a specific major at the time of matriculation may declare a minor beginning in their second semester. All requirements for the minor must be completed either concurrently with or prior to the completion of the primary major requirements. This ensures that students fulfill the expectations of their primary field of study while completing any additional areas of academic specialization.
Minor Requirements
| Required Courses | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6.0 | |
| Foundations Courses | ||
| Learning to Look | ||
| Politics of Style | ||
| Contemporary Art | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Explore Art History and Related Disciplines | ||
| Ancient to Medieval Art | ||
| Renaissance and Baroque Art | ||
| Modern Art | ||
| African American Art | ||
| Arts of Africa | ||
| Latin American Art | ||
| Arts of Asia | ||
| Art of Japan | ||
| Art of India | ||
| Art of China | ||
| Museum-Studio-Storage: Object Analysis | ||
| History of Modern Design | ||
| Global Material Culture | ||
| Gender and Art | ||
| Dance History: Forces and Figures | ||
| Music Appreciation and Understanding | ||
| World Musics | ||
| The Power of Black American Music | ||
| History of Photography I | ||
| History of Photography II | ||
| Theatre: Histories and Cultures | ||
| Explore Your Art History Interests | ||
| Select any two ARTH 2000-4999 level courses | 6.0 | |
| Total Credits | 15.0 | |
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please contact the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design.
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