Contact

Stephanie James, School of Art
102 Shaffer Art Building, 315-443-3012,sljames@syr.edu

Faculty

Joanna Spitzner, Stephen Zaima, Stephanie James

Description

The interdisciplinary program in the history of art integrates studio experience with study of the history, theory, and aesthetics of the visual arts. Intended for students who have taken basic studio courses in drawing, painting, and design but who do not wish to specialize in one of the professional studio fields, it offers a diversified course of study in history and related academic concerns.

The program examines art as an expression of experience in different periods and cultures, from prehistoric to contemporary. Students may develop an area of specialization in a topic that interests them, such as a period (Middle Ages, Age of Romanticism, Industrial Age), a stylistic movement (Baroque, Impressionism, Abstract Impressionism), a medium (decorative arts, architecture), a focus based on geography (American art, art of the northern Renaissance), or a combination of all four.

For study in the history of art, students may choose art history courses above the 299 level offered in the College of Visual and Performing Arts listed with an ART prefix, or courses in the art history major offered by the Department of Fine Arts in the College of Arts and Sciences, which are listed with a FIA prefix. History of art majors may also choose courses from other undergraduate colleges within the University.