COURSE CURRICULUM

The Art History and Visual Culture BA program is a 120-unit undergraduate degree that combines general education, major coursework, and electives to provide a comprehensive understanding of art and culture. Students complete 25 units of lower division general education, with some overlap through major courses, and up to 9 units of upper division GE that can also be satisfied within the major. The program includes 2 units of physical education, while the writing requirement is fulfilled through ART 100W. Students must also complete lower and upper division Humanities and Arts college requirements, ensuring a broad academic foundation.The major preparation, totaling 15 to 17 units, introduces students to essential skills and interdisciplinary perspectives. This includes a writing course, a class exploring ancient civilizations, an upper division social sciences course, and either world language study or foundational art courses such as drawing, design, and color. These courses help build analytical, cultural, and visual literacy skills needed for advanced study.The major requirements consist of 48 units and begin with core art history survey courses covering different time periods and regions. Students then study art history theories and methods, along with a global art course and a focused course on a critical period in Western art. A large portion of the program, 30 units, is dedicated to electives, where students choose from diverse topics such as world art, ancient and Renaissance art, modern and contemporary art, and museum or curatorial studies. This allows students to tailor their education based on their interests and career goals.Finally, students complete a capstone seminar, integrating their knowledge through advanced research and analysis. With additional 15 to 19 units of university electives, the program offers flexibility and depth, preparing students for careers in museums, galleries, education, and cultural institutions.