The academic requirements for art history represent a specialized course of study within the larger context of a diverse liberal arts education. Not only are these requirements designed to provide a focused and rigorous approach to the core concepts of the discipline, but they also allow ample opportunities for exploration in other subjects and departments throughout the university. By studying art history at DePauw, you will develop comprehensive expertise in your field while enjoying the benefits of a well-rounded education.
Eleven
Any two 100-level courses and ARTH 494. .
Four 200-level courses:
In cases where it is unclear, your advisor will work with you to determine which categories your courses satisfy.
Three: two 300 level courses plus ARTH 494
The senior comprehensive requirement consists of the completion of ARTH 494 with a grade of C- or better, as well as a thesis. The course reviews the major methodologies of art history, through reading and discussion of landmark articles in the field, and initiates students in their application. A major original research paper, on a topic of the student's choosing, is done under the direction of the instructor. The results of the research are presented in a formal twenty-minute public lecture at the end of the semester.
In addition to the nine art history courses, art history majors also must take two courses in cognate fields. One of these must be chosen from among the studio courses (any studio course). The second, to be approved by your advisor, can be selected from offerings in the following or other programs: Africana Studies, Asian Studies, Classical Studies, English, Film Studies, History, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Music, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Women¿s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and World Literature. First-year seminars on art historical topics may be counted toward an art history major or minor.
300-level courses provide the opportunity to satisfy the writing in the art history major requirement. To do so, the student will produce a satisfactory 10-12 pp. paper reflective of the disciplinary standards of art history, and which meets the following requirements: the effective marshaling of evidence in support of a compelling thesis; a methodological framework; critical use of original sources; interdisciplinary bibliography; Chicago Style footnotes.
Five
Four art history courses, one course at the 100 level, and three courses at the 200 or 300 level. At least one course must be at the 300 level. One studio art course.
Of the three non-introductory art history courses, one course must have a pre-1800 focus and one must have a post-1800 focus. Students considering a minor in art history should consult with an art history faculty member.
One
Leveraging the resources of the Creative School, the art history major at DePauw is housed in the Department of Art and Art History. This department empowers students to engage, critique and shape culture by understanding and applying the fundamentals of effective artistic expression.
