COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Museum Studies at the University of Lethbridge offers a curriculum that combines art historical theory with practical museum and gallery experience. Students study a broad range of art history courses focusing on 19th to 21st century European, North American, and First Nations art, helping them understand historical and contemporary visual culture. The program emphasizes critical analysis of artworks, cultural interpretation, and the study of material culture from a global perspective. Alongside theory-based learning, students take museum studies courses that introduce them to professional practices in galleries and museums, including collections management, exhibition planning, curation, and conservation of artworks. Studio-based art courses are also included, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with artistic materials and techniques, improving their understanding of how art is created. Field-based learning is an important part of the curriculum, with internships in public galleries, museums, and university art spaces such as the University Art Gallery and community institutions. Students also engage with the university’s extensive collection of over 15,000–16,000 artworks, gaining experience in documentation, preservation, and exhibition design. Overall, the curriculum blends art history, museum practice, and studio exposure to develop strong analytical, curatorial, and professional skills for careers in museums, galleries, cultural heritage organizations, and the broader arts sector.