UWM Undergraduate Catalog 2009-10

College of Letters and Science

Art History

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The history of art is the study of humanity’s efforts to express its ideas, experiences, and beliefs in visual and graphic form: in painting, sculpture, architecture, graphics, decorative arts, and film. It also is the historical study of the attempt to reorder the physical environment through urban and architectural design. Courses in the Department of Art History are designed to train students to deal with such studies in the context of the cultural, social, political, economic, and religious climates of different historical eras, as well as to foster an understanding of the principles of art. Internships and colloquia in museum studies afford qualified students more specialized experience in connoisseurship, curatorial practices, and arts management.

In keeping with its interest in the varieties of artistic achievements, the department also offers courses in the history, theory, and analysis of film. These complement other offerings in the area of modern art and criticism.

Questions concerning art history requirements, possible substitutions, and other related matters should be directed to the undergraduate advisor or the Art History Department office, Mitchell Hall, Room 151, 229-4330.

Course of Study: Major

The major in art history consists of 30 credits in the department. All majors must complete 6 credits in ArtHist 101 and 102, and they are advised strongly to take 3 credits in Arthist 104 or 105. In addition, students in their senior year must complete 3 credits in an internship (ArtHist 489 or 691) or an independent study (ArtHist 699), approved by the student's major advisor, to satisfy the L&S research requirement. Well-qualified students who receive permission to enroll in a graduate seminar will complete the research requirement through that course.

Beyond this, each student must select one of two major options: Option A, the Standard Major, or Option B, the Broad Major. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required in all ArtHist courses attempted at UWM. In addition, students must attain a 2.5 GPA on all major credits attempted, including transfer work. Fifteen credits at the 300 level or above must be taken in residence at UWM.

Option A: Standard Major. This option is recommended for students who are interested in obtaining a well-balanced approach to the study of art history. It provides an introduction to most major areas of inquiry in art history and to different scholarly approaches to study in this field. It is recommended especially for students who wish to continue into graduate studies in art history and to pursue careers in college teaching or museum or gallery work.

1. Distribution requirement, 15 credits. At least 3 credits in each of five of the following areas: Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance-Baroque, 19th-20th Century, Non-Western, Film. At least 9 of the 15 credits must be at the 300 level or above.

2. Electives, 9 credits. At least 6 of these 9 credits must be at the 300 level or above.

3. Language requirement. Reading ability in at least one foreign language, preferably French or German, to be demonstrated either by taking two years of college-level language with grades of "B" or better or by taking and passing a reading exam administered by the Art History Department. Students planning to go to graduate school are advised that most graduate schools require Ph.D. candidates to demonstrate reading knowledge of both French and German. Other languages such as Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Greek, or Latin also may be required, depending on a student’s field of specialization.

Option B: Broad Major. This option is designed for students who wish to tailor their own programs to pursue specific individual interests in art history, to tie in with studies in other fields (i.e., double majors), or for personal enrichment. It requires at least 24 credits of the student’s choice in ArtHist courses beyond 101 and 102, of which at least 15 must be at the 300 level or above.

Course of Study: Minor

The minor in art history must be declared between completing 45 and 75 degree credits. It requires at least 18 credits in the department, including ArtHist 101 and 102. Nine of the remaining 12 credits must be taken at the 300 level or above in residence at UWM. A minimum 2.5 GPA must be maintained in all ArtHist courses attempted at UWM. In addition, students must attain a 2.5 GPA in all minor credits attempted, including transfer work.

Courses in Other Fields

It is recommended strongly that all students majoring in art history acquire a broad liberal arts education, including strong competence in English composition, a knowledge of one or more foreign languages, and at least 12 credits of college-level history. Students also are encouraged to take work in related subjects such as art studio, classics, anthropology, history of music, literature, and philosophy.

Honors in the Major

Art history majors who meet the following criteria are awarded honors in the major:

1. 3.00 cumulative GPA in all UWM graded credits;

2. 3.50 GPA in all credits that count toward the major;

3. 3.50 GPA in all advanced credits that count toward the major;

4. completion of one of the following:

a. six credits of French or German at 200 level or above with grades of "B" or better (equivalent level course work in another language may be substituted with faculty approval);

b. the Art History Department’s French or German translation exam with passing grade;

5. completion of one of the following:

a. seminar or colloquium in ArtHist with grade of "B+" or better;

b. independent research project (ArtHist 699) with grade of "B+" or better.

Courses

Faculty

Kenneth P. Bendiner, Prof., Ph.D., Chair
Columbia University

Derek Counts, Assoc. Prof., Ph.D.
Brown University

Jeffrey R. Hayes, Prof., Ph.D.
University of Maryland
Director, Master of Liberal Studies

Nancy Hubbard , Assoc. Prof., Ph.D.
Northwestern University

Jennifer Johung, Asst. Prof., Ph.D.
University of California, Berkeley

Richard Leson, Asst. Prof., Ph.D.
The Johns Hopkins University

Christina Maranci, Assoc. Prof., Ph.D.
Princeton University

Patricia Mellencamp, Distinguished Prof. Emerita, M.A.

Paul E. Sprague, Prof. Emeritus, Ph.D.

Andrea J. Stone, Prof., Ph.D.
University of Texas at Austin

Tanya Tiffany, Asst. Prof., Ph.D.
Johns Hopkins University

Jane C. Waldbaum, Prof. Emerita, Ph.D.

Barry I. Wind, Prof. Emeritus, Ph.D.

Ying Wang, Assoc. Prof., Ph.D.
University of Pittsburgh

Academic Curator

Linda Brazeau, Ph.D.
City University of New York

Web Home Pages:
[ College of Letters and Science ]
[ Art History ]

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