COURSE CURRICULUM

Carleton University’s Art History program offers a comprehensive exploration of visual communication through the study of diverse artistic and architectural traditions. While it includes the major monuments of Western culture such as painting, sculpture, and buildings, the program also encompasses non-Western art, including Asian and North American Indigenous art, photography, printmaking, and popular culture. It investigates the institutions that shape the art world—museums, galleries, and exhibitions—providing students with a broad historical and theoretical framework to analyze imagery across cultures and time periods, from the prehistoric era to the present day. Students develop critical thinking skills and historical awareness through the analysis of visual expressions, gaining the intellectual tools to engage thoughtfully in a globalized and visually driven world. Located in Ottawa, the program benefits from access to prominent cultural institutions like the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, and the Carleton University Art Gallery. Carleton’s Art History students also gain valuable work experience through a well-established internship program with local and national museums and galleries, and they have the opportunity to study abroad in culturally rich cities such as Venice and Istanbul. The curriculum comprises 20.0 credits, with 10.0 credits focused on core Art History (ARTH) courses, including foundational courses like Art and Society, Art in Canada, and Indigenous Art. Students also choose from a variety of historical and thematic topics, such as Greek, Roman, Islamic, Renaissance, and Modern art, as well as photography and Asian visual culture. Advanced-level coursework at the 3000 and 4000 levels deepens their specialization. The remaining 10.0 credits are distributed between electives outside ARTH and free electives, allowing students to broaden their academic experience. This balanced structure ensures that graduates leave with a well-rounded education grounded in both scholarly rigor and real-world application.