Nov 23, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Art History BA


If you want to understand culture and history, start with art. As an art history student, you’ll dive into the visual arts-from paintings and photographs to architecture and digital media-to discover extraordinary insights about people and society. You’ll learn how to be a detective, a historian, an explorer and a decoder of the world around us. In an increasingly visual world, you will become a trusted guide, equipped with the skills to see how we reveal ourselves through art.

Visit the Art History academic program page for more information about the academic experience, who you will learn from, opportunities outside of class and what you can do with this degree.

Visit the Art department page  for contact information, a brief overview of the department and the curricular options.

Admission Criteria


Current UB students seeking admission to the Art History BA will be added to the major upon request by completing the College of Arts and Sciences Major/Minor Change Request Form.

Course Requirements


One 400-level AHI course (3 credits)


Language Requirement (10 credits)


  • Two Introductory foreign language courses (XX 101 & XX 102) or test out*

*Students may demonstrate intermediate proficiency in a language by testing into the intermediate level. Students who test into the intermediate level may utilize a language course (104, 151 or above) to satisfy an open elective requirement. Students are encouraged to choose a language that supports their particular course of study in Art History. American Sign Language cannot be used to fulfill this language requirement. S/U grading may not be selected for courses taken to fulfill this requirement.

Five Category Electives (15 credits)


At least three of the five required category electives must be completed at the 300/400 level.

  • One Pre-19th Century Elective
  • Two 19th & 20th Century Electives
  • One Global Elective
  • One additional elective from any category

Total Credits Required for Major: 51


Additional Degree Requirements Include:


  • Additional coursework to fulfill UB Curriculum requirements
  • Elective courses as needed to complete the 120 credit hour total

Total Credits Required for Graduation: 120


Total Credit Hours Required represents the minimum credits needed to complete this program, and may vary based on a number of circumstances. This should not be used for financial aid purposes.

Academic Requirements


Minimum GPA of 2.000 overall. The student must maintain a minimum major GPA of 2.500 to remain in good standing in the Art History BA program. If students drop below this GPA, they will be placed on department probation and given a semester to improve their standing. Students who do not improve will be dismissed from the program. To graduate, a minimum GPA of 2.500 is compulsory in all courses required for the BA degree.

Transfer Credit Policy

The Art History program permits students to transfer in a maximum of 12 credit hours from accredited institutions with approval from the university and department.

 

Program Distinction


A student in this major is eligible for Program Distinction upon degree conferral if the criteria are met. Criteria are found under Academic Honors in the Policy and Procedure section of this Catalog. Program Distinction is noted on the official transcript.

Curricular Plan


A Curricular Plan provides a roadmap for completing this academic program and the UB Curriculum on time. Your actual plan may vary depending on point of entry to the university, course placement and/or waivers based on standardized test scores, earned alternative credit and/or college transfer credit.

First Year Fall


Total Credits: 14 or 15


First Year Spring


Total Credits: 15 or 16


Second Year Fall


Total Credits: 15


Second Year Spring


Total Credits: 16


Third Year Fall


Total Credits: 14


Third Year Spring


  • AHI Pre-19th Century Elective Credits: 3
  • AHI 19th & 20th Century Elective Credits: 3
  • ART/AHI Required Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • ART 300/400 Level Course from list Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15


Fourth Year Fall


Total Credits: 15


Fourth Year Spring


  • AHI Any Category Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15


Total Credits Required: 120


Note: Some classes may count toward both a major and UB Curriculum requirement.

Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge to:

  • Students demonstrate visual literacy through the acquisition of analytical skills to identify and create meanings in visual culture.
  • Students will learn to understand how to approach, appreciate and interpret works of art and role of art in history and visual culture.
  • Students will develop advanced skills in critical writing and historical art, visual culture, and research methodologies.
  • Students will gain an in depth knowledge of global art in historical time periods and culture.
  • Students will acquire deeper knowledge of another culture.
  • Students will acquire an understanding of art and material culture in an experiential learning context.

 

(HEGIS: 10.03 ART HISTORY&APPRECIATION, CIP50.0703 Art History, Criticism and Conservation)