Art History Major

The major in art history requires students to examine, both chronologically and thematically, the images and monuments that have shaped and defined a variety of cultures across a vast expanse of time. With an emphasis on honing visual, verbal, and writing skills, the art history major encourages students to form persuasive arguments based on evidence found in tangible objects, original documents, and scholarly literature. Because works of art have frequently been produced in response to specific movement, ideas, and social situations, the study of art history by definition requires an interdisciplinary engagement with the political, social, economic, religious, and philosophical traditions of a variety of cultures under consideration.

Introductory courses highlight major issues and objects that either typify periods, styles, and regions, or that have influenced the people and societies that used them during and after their creation. Upper division lecture courses focus on specific periods, geographic regions, or movements in order to gain a more complete understanding of the styles, functions, and messages of works created at particular moments in history. Seminars address topical issues that allow students to engage material that often reflects an area of faculty specialization and scholarship. Many students consider these discussion courses to be the most challenging and rewarding intellectual experiences they encounter at W&L.

Advice for First- and Second-Year students considering a major in art history

• Complete introductory courses (100-level) before the end of your sophomore year.
• Take as many upper division courses as possible during your second and third years. Plan to take at least three art history courses per year for most of your college career.
• 200-level courses in Italian Renaissance Art, Latin American, Nineteenth-century European and American Art, Asian Art, the History of Architecture, and Twentieth-century Western Art should be completed before the end of your third year.
• Take at least one 300-level seminar before the end of your third year.
• Take at least one studio art course early in your career (seats are limited and you'll need advance permission from studio professors to enroll)
• Work with faculty to write a senior thesis project proposal during the winter term of your third year.
• If you wish to focus your energies on art from other cultures, find ways to study abroad for as long as possible in the country or region that holds your interest. There is no substitute for seeing real images in situ, and no substitute for reading and speaking the language of those who made and saw those images when they were originally produced.
• The faculty in art history urge students to take as many courses as possible in the departments of history, religion, philosophy, politics, English, literature in translation, music, and theater. Works of art reflect the culture (and, often, the controversies) of the period in which they were made.