Art History Minor

A minor in art history gives you a cross-cultural and global perspective on visual art through the study of diverse cultures and art historical periods. You will develop skills in critical thinking, oral and written communication, and visual literacy while building artistic vocabulary that allows for research and constructive analysis of art objects.

You may register for ART 4850 Internship in Visual Arts and complete an internship at a local art gallery, business, or private collection. This course counts towards three hours in the minor in art history.

This program can be completed both in-person and online, with upper-level, in-person courses offered in Dahlonega or Gainesville. Students in the B.A. with a major in studio art, B.A. with a major in art and a concentration in graphic design, and B.A. with a major in art with a concentration in digital arts, earn the art history minor by completing 9-12 hours in upper-level art history courses beyond the art history requirements of the major.

Find more information about academic programs and visual art areas at the Department of Visual Arts.

Program Questions?

Contact Dr. Elissa Ferguson or Dr. Michael Kemling

Number of Credit Hours

15-18 Credit Hours

Around 5-6 Courses

Courses You Could Take

ART 2510 - Introduction to Art History I

A survey of art and architecture from prehistoric times to the Gothic period. Selected works are examined through visual presentations, lectures, and readings. Students enrolled in this course are required to attend exhibitions, guest lectures, and/or other cultural presentations outside the regular class time.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: ENGL 1101 with a grade of C or higher

Hours:
3

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ART 3530 - Renaissance Art History

An examination of paintings, sculpture, prints, and architecture of the early, high, and late Renaissance in Italy, France, the Holy Roman Empire (including Germany), the Netherlands, and Spain. Using a combined chronological, comparative, and thematic approach, emphasis is placed on the distinct contributions of specific artists and of different regions. The economic, philosophical, religious, political, and cultural developments of early modern European society and cities in this period, are explored in detail. Outside readings are incorporated into class discussions.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: ART 2520 with a grade of C or higher

Hours:
3

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ART 3580 - East Asian Art History

A thematic introduction to the major artistic and cultural trends of China, Korea, and Japan from ancient to contemporary times. Lectures and discussions will concentrate on significant monuments and works of art including but not limited to architectures, ceramics, paintings, textiles, sculptures, and woodblock prints from the region. No knowledge of East Asian languages is required.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: ART 2510 with a grade of C or higher, or permission of department

Hours:
3

View Course in Catalog

How the Art History Minor can Enrich Your Journey

Educator in the humanities, social sciences, or fine arts

An Art History Minor provides a solid understanding of works of art in context, helping you to communicate knowledge in a way that is inclusive of diverse learning styles. Learning by observing art turns abstract concepts into concrete experiences and knowledge.

Researcher in history, Anthropology, and Philosophy

In art history, you interpret works of art as cultural documents. This evidence enriches your interpretation of historical events and provides a concrete connection to the history of human culture. These skills are especially valuable for scholars exploring cultures in which artifacts, architecture, and other forms of visual culture are a substantial part of the surviving historical record.

Modern Languages

A global knowledge of art will further immerse you in foreign cultures that speak and write languages other than English. If your level permits it, you may gain additional practice in languages by reading art-related texts in their original language. A knowledge of art in context will also enable you to better understand the unique characteristics of the cultures associated with the languages you study.

Psychology and Sociology

Studying art history will help you investigate the complex reasons why humans seek to express emotion and overcome trauma through art. If you study societies, knowing how humans use art to communicate, to share knowledge and preserve memory, and to protest injustice will give you a broader and deeper understanding of these social practices.

Studio art, Graphic Design, and Digital Arts

A wider and deeper knowledge of art history will expand your understanding of artists' styles and techniques, both traditional and digital. You will see yourself as part of an artistic community and connect your own artistic choices and influences with those of the past and the present.

English and Journalism

Taking art history courses will help you write more clearly. Art historical writing is always concrete and will hone your argumentative skills. You will learn to present facts and conclusions with clarity and solid statements. If you are a journalism major, reporting on art events and interviewing artists will give you opportunities to practice your communication skills.

Writing and Literature

Knowledge of art will enrich your understanding of literary texts, as these works often support and enrich art historical interpretations. The literary genre of historical fiction often relies on art and art history to construct a fictional story. When you write, you will be able to tap into your art historical knowledge to craft your characters and build a compelling story.

Film and Digital Media

Developing skills in the analysis of two-dimensional images will increase awareness of how these images communicate meaning. Filmmakers with a solid footing in visual analysis have a broader and deeper understanding of how audiences respond to moving images.

Business

You will benefit from understanding how and why the art market is volatile, and how, for centuries, forms of institutional and private art patronage have contributed to economic development in communities, cities, regions, and countries. From fostering tourism to developing merchandise, from inspiring impressive projects to leading social change, art is a cultural phenomenon inseparably linked to fundraising, money making, and spending.