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ART HISTORY
From the earliest Paleolithic cave paintings (rendered over 30,000 years ago) to the exuberant canvases of the late Modern Age, the visual arts offer a unique record of human civilization, expressing and preserving some of humanity's most vibrant, profound and cherished experiences, feelings and beliefs. The study of art history is an investigation into this most essential, sophisticated and enduring form of human communication. Beginning with a two semester survey of Western art and architecture from prehistory to the present, and followed with ten more specialized courses, the art history major is introduced to a broad range of ancient, medieval, renaissance, baroque, modern and contemporary art works. In this process, the student is also introduced to a diversity of methodologies for understanding art objects, formally and analytically, in their social, political and economic context. Among the required twelve courses that majors must take, one is in drawing or painting, and one is an advanced Senior Seminar. Philosophy of Art is required in partial fulfillment of the distribution requirement in that area. Two additional art history or studio art course may be elected. Comprehensive examinations are given in the last semester of senior year. Students with an honors level grade point average, who wish to receive Departmental Honors in Art History, may apply to write a Senior Honor's Thesis. Progress in completing this Senior Thesis will be guided through the student's enrollment in a Senior Honor's Tutorial. Awards will be given to thesis projects that successfully demonstrate a high degree of scholarly achievement and self-motivation.
STUDIO ART
Founded in the 1930's, the Studio Art Program with its emphasis on painting and sculpture, continues to be an important component of the liberal arts curriculum at Catholic University. A total of fourteen courses combining studio practice, history and theory are required for the major. A "B" average must be attained among the six core courses in drawing, design and art history for acceptance as a concentrator. A minimum of three courses is taken in an area of concentration-either painting or sculpture-leading to a senior creative project carried out under the direction of a faculty member of one's choice. Twentieth century art history and one semester of senior coordinating seminar are also required. The remaining courses are elected from the areas of drawing, painting, sculpture, art history, printmaking, photography or ceramics.
THE DOUBLE MAJOR
Interdisciplinary programs and double concentration. The Department of Art employs the same means of assessing the attainment of its educational goals by Studio Art for Secondary Education majors as it does in assessing the attainment of its Studio Art Seniors.
ART AND SECONDARY CONCENTRATION
In collaboration with the Department of Education, art concentrators may follow a joint program in art and education leading to accreditation preparatory to teaching art at the secondary level.
SUBCONCENTRATION IN ART AND ART HISTORY
Two six-course subconcentration options are available to non-art concentrators. |
