Through the study of art history students learn the importance of the visual arts in their own lives as well as in past and present cultures.
Overview
Art History courses are particularly extensive for a college the size of Oswego. Students take a two-semester Survey of Art and may select upper division courses such as Twentieth-Century, Chinese, Japanese, Islamic, Native American, or Museum Studies.
Additional course offerings include Western Art such as Italian Renaissance, American Art, and 20th century. Courses in non-western art are offered most semesters, often inspiring students to study abroad in countries such as Japan, China, and India.
Because of art history’s interdisciplinary nature, students encounter serious studies in areas such as history, literature, philosophy, religion, science and technology. A strength of the program is its intellectual issues and critical thinking courses that promote a deeper understanding of the material such as Modern Art and Mass Culture, Gender in the Visual Arts, and American Identity and Culture.
Students may gain practical, hands-on experience at the Tyler Art Gallery as a gallery attendant or join the Student Art Exhibition Committee (SAEC) to bring culturally relevant, intellectually engaging, meaningful arts exhibitions to the on-campus and greater Oswego communities.
Curriculum
The Art BA - Art History track allows you to specialize in art history and pursue a second major or minor that complements your career goals. Related minors include art, arts management, or museum studies.
Bachelor of Arts - Art, Art History track
Tyler Art Gallery
The recently renovated Tyler Art Gallery allows students the opportunity to exhibit their work, and in some cases gain experience curating and installing their own show. The gallery on campus is just one place students may showcase their work, Oswego keeps a very active schedule for students to present at Oswego State Downtown and SUNY Oswego in Syracuse.
Outcomes
Critical awareness is developed through practicing formal analysis and studying theoretical writings, while assignments are designed to improve research and writing skills.
Career Opportunities
- Archivist
- Art appraiser
- Curator
- Museum professional
- Gallery work
The Art History track also prepares students for graduate school in art history, art conservation, and digital humanities.
Program Resources
Study Abroad
Take classes and participate in internships while immersing yourself in all that region has to offer.
Faculty-Led Courses
This unique programs allows students to spend a few weeks studying a course topic before traveling to their destination abroad to experience what they learned in person, on location.
Get Involved
- Arts Alive
- Break Thru Design
- Photography Club
- Student Art Exhibition Committee