BA in History of Art and Architecture

The Department of the History of Art and Architecture familiarizes DePaul students with works of art that define civilizations around the world from their emergence to the present day. The study of art is integral to the development of human knowledge and thus consistent with the academic goals of DePaul University as well as a liberal arts education. We extend the Vincentian mission in our particular focus on comparative culture and art in its urban setting. In an increasingly interconnected world, art history encourages a critical engagement with the visual and its role in individual and social formation. The study of art and architectural history prepares students for a wide variety of careers and post-graduate pursuits. Thus, all of our classes foster critical thinking by developing visual literacy, close reading, persuasive writing, research skills and oral communication. Taking advantage of the rich cultural resources of Chicago through classroom lectures, discussions and site visits to exhibits, museums, and architectural monuments, students come to understand how art is produced and how it operates in its social and historical moment. In more advanced classes, students become well-versed in the nature of the field and its current and traditional theoretical issues. In these classes, too, consideration is given to the professional world, including museums, galleries, cultural institutions, and the global art market. All of these goals are consistent with our professional aspirations, not only as faculty, but as scholars who distinguish us by the breadth of our geographical and chronological interests and through our record of publishing and professional achievements. Although our approaches vary widely, we are united in our shared interest in the creative, social, and political forces that both determine and emanate from all works of art. Learning Outcomes - Student will be able to: Identify and analyze physical, technical, and conceptual aspects of an object, building, or architectural site. Initiate and conduct independent research on art and architecture, making use of library, textual and primary source materials. Discuss and explain, in an in-depth way, the history of art and architecture, including its most compelling theoretical issues, and various ideological approaches. Speak and write in a sophisticated way on the diverse cultural, ethnic and gender traditions in the visual arts and architecture. Demonstrate a geographically and chronologically broad knowledge of art and architecture sufficient for applying to graduate programs or for entry level work in most professional art contexts, such as museums, galleries, educational and research centers, and publications. Career Options: Architectural conservation, Art librarian, Curatorial work, Education, Historic preservation, Art, conservation, Research.