Art and Art History

Overview

The Department of Art and Art History offers a wide variety of courses for majors and non-majors. Art History is the study of works of art and architectural monuments in their cultural environment. Students learn to develop their powers of critical visual analysis and how to apply these historically to works of Western and Non-western art. The 30-Credit Art History Major BA is intended for students interested in a liberal arts education in the humanities or students planning to continue their art history studies in a graduate program. A broad range of courses from different fields, rather than specialization in one area, is encouraged.

In Studio Art, two academic degrees are offered: the BA, either 24-credit or 42-credit; and the BFA, 61 credits. The 24-credit BA is recommended for the student interested in a liberal arts education, particularly those interested in double majoring in Art History, or in other majors. The 42-credit BA is an intensive major recommended for the student who prefers a greater concentration in studio art and particularly for the student who plans to do graduate study in art. The BFA gives students the prolonged, intense focus on studio practice, contemporary art and theoretical issues, which is the kind of training typically regarded as an excellent education in the field of fine arts. This competitive program prepares students to compete for entry into MFA programs nationwide.

What can I do with my degree in Art or Art History?

Students who major in Art or Art History develop skills that are highly valued by employers. These skills include: critical and creative thinking; oral, written, and visual communication skills; the ability to take multiple approaches to solving problems; adaptability; the ability to work effectively individually and collaboratively; the ability to interpret cultures; organization; research and synthesis. Graduates may find employment in museums and other arts organizations, government, nonprofits, educational institutions, and businesses. The new undergraduate Certificate in Arts Management and Leadership program consisting of courses drawn from several departments and housed in the Department of Urban Policy and Planning is intended for students interested in careers in both the visual and the performing arts; it relies on businesses and organizations in New York City for internships, events and exhibitions, and discussions with artists and other arts professionals. The BA in Art History and the 42-credit BA in Studio Art provide excellent preparation for students who plan to complete graduate studies in the field. The BFA prepares students for MFA programs.

Programs and Courses

Programs and Courses in Art and Art History

Honors

Students majoring in Art History who wish to graduate with honors must consult an adviser to make an official application for consideration by the faculty members on the Undergraduate Art History Committee on Honors. Major credits must have been completed with a 3.7 grade point average, and the cumulative grade point average, from courses taken only at Hunter, must be at least 3.0. Students must submit a research paper written for Research Methods of Art History or an Advanced Studies Seminar, with the instructor’s comments, edits, and grade, to the department’s Undergraduate Art History Committee on Honors. The paper must have received a minimum grade of A-. Papers written for other art history courses may be considered if they conform to the requirements for an Advanced Studies Seminar; consult with an adviser. The committee will review the complete application to determine if the student merits departmental honors.

Students majoring in Studio Art who wish to graduate with honors must consult with an adviser to make an official application. Major credits must have been completed with a 3.5 grade point average, and the cumulative grade point average, from courses taken only at Hunter, must be at least 3.0. Students must submit work from an advanced studio ARTCR 36000 or independent study project (ARTCR 40200 ).

Internships

In-service Learning Program in Art History

Administration and Faculty

Chair:

Howard Singerman
N11054
(212) 772-5051
howard.singerman@hunter.cuny.edu

Department Office:

11054 North
(212) 772-4995
fax (212) 772-4458
http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/~art

Faculty

Art Faculty

HEGIS Code: 1002 (Studio Art); 1003 (Art History)