BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ART HISTORY

Art History is one of the principal avenues of inquiry into the psychology of visual expression.  All human cultures, regardless of time and geography, have resorted to visual communication to express, explore, understand, and reveal their public as well as their private lives.   

The BA in Art history provides students with the practical, conceptual and methodological skills required to understand this visual communication. The act of viewing is neither passive nor naïve, but rather an active and intentional series of choices meant to create meaning: it is an act of visual intelligence.  The study of art history allows students to develop and mature their visual intelligence by focusing on both visual and verbal thinking.

Interdisciplinary study is an integral part of art historical practice and is highly encouraged in our program. Students may explore a range of topics, concerns and methodologies, from historical culture, formal analysis and iconography to material culture, social history and gender studies.  Students are also encouraged to take advantage of such exciting opportunities as study abroad courses and internships at one of the many museums, galleries, and arts related businesses (auction houses and galleries, art appraisers, conservation studios) in the Los Angeles and Orange County region.