COURSE CURRICULUM

The History of Art and Architecture program at DePaul University offers a diverse and globally focused curriculum designed to help students critically engage with visual culture across different regions, time periods, and artistic traditions. The coursework begins with foundational and advanced training in research and interpretation, including Historical Research and Writing, which develops students’ ability to conduct in-depth academic analysis, and Art Historical Theory and Methodology, which introduces key frameworks for understanding how art history is studied and interpreted.Students explore global artistic traditions through regionally focused courses such as Arts of the Americas, African Art, Latin American Art, and Italian Renaissance, each providing insight into the cultural, political, and historical contexts that shaped artistic production in different parts of the world. These courses help students understand how art reflects identity, power, religion, and social change across civilizations and historical periods.The program also includes specialized thematic and interdisciplinary courses that broaden students’ perspectives on visual culture. Northern Renaissance Art examines artistic developments in Northern Europe, while History of Photography explores the evolution of photographic practices and their impact on modern visual communication. Japanese Film Arts introduces students to cinematic traditions and visual storytelling in Japanese culture, expanding their understanding of how art intersects with media and film.In addition, applied and professional courses such as Museum Studies prepare students for careers in galleries, museums, and cultural institutions by focusing on curation, exhibition design, and collections management. Chicago Architecture allows students to study the city’s rich architectural heritage firsthand, connecting classroom learning with real-world urban environments and landmark structures.Overall, the program equips students with strong analytical, research, and communication skills while fostering a deep appreciation of global artistic traditions. By engaging with diverse media, regions, and historical periods, students develop the critical thinking and visual literacy needed for careers in art history, museum work, education, cultural preservation, and related creative and academic fields.