George Mason University 1997-98 Catalog Catalog Index
Course Descriptions

Search the 1997-1998 Catalog:

Art History


Faculty

Professor: Mattusch

Associate Professors: Butler, ffolliott (Coordinator), Todd

Lecturers: Couture, Mason, Poole


Course Work

The Art History Department offers all course work designated ARTH in the Course Descriptions section of this catalog.

B.A. Degree in Art with a Major in Art History

The major program prepares students for graduate study in art history, as well as for research and professional work. The B.A. in Art does not satisfy all requirements for public school teaching.

In addition to the general degree requirements for a B.A. degree, students majoring in art history must complete 39-40 credit hours as follows:

  1. Studio Art elective (3-4); ARTS 200, 202, 351, 392; others with permission of the Division of Art Studio in the Institute of the Arts.

  2. 3-6 credits in Art History (ARTH) at the 100- or 200- level, including 3 credits from ARTH 200 or 201.

  3. ARTH 394 or 594
    1. if taking ARTH 394, 21-24 credits of ARTH at the 300-level.
    2. if taking ARTH 594, 24-27 credits of ARTH at the 300-level.

  4. 6 credits of ARTH at the 400-level or above, including 3 hours from ARTH 400, 420, 430, 440, 460, or 471.

Up to six credits at the 300 level or above in related fields and up to six credits in art history internships may be applied toward requirements for the major with prior written approval of the departmental adviser.

Students contemplating graduate study in art history should acquire a reading knowledge of French and/or German. Students contemplating museum or arts administration careers should consider taking electives from the following: ACCT 201, COMM 330, ENGL 410, ENGL 503, MGMT 300, and MKTG 300, and are strongly encouraged to complete an art history internship (ARTH 393).

45 hours at the 300 level or above are required for graduation. These may be taken in art history, in any other department, or in programs or minors specifically relating to art history.


Sample Schedule for Concentration in Art History
First Semester
ARTH 200
ARTS elective
HIST 101
ENGL 101
Foreign language
Total Hours


3
3
3
3
3
15

 Second Semester
ARTH 201
HIST 102
Mathematics or logic
ANTH 114
Foreign language
Total Hours


3
3
3
3
3
15
Third Semester
300-level ARTH elective
CLAS 250
Natural science
Non-Western culture
Foreign language
Total Hours


3
3
4
3
3
16

 Fourth Semester
ARTH 394
Oral communication
Natural science
300-level ARTH elective
Foreign language
Total Hours


3
3
4
3
3
16
Fifth Semester
300-level ARTH electives
Literature
ENGL 302
Elective (300+ level)
Total Hours


6
3
3
3
15

 Sixth Semester
300-level ARTH electives
ARTH 393
HIST elective
Elective (300+ level)
Total Hours


6
3
3
3
15
Seventh Semester
300-level ARTH electives
ARTH 420-471
ARTH 393
Elective (300+ level)
Total Hours


3
3
3
6
15

 Eighth Semester
400- or 500-level
ARTH elective
PHIL 356
Electives (300+ level)
Total Hours


3

3
9
15


Courses in Support of Graduate Programs

Although a graduate degree program in art history is not available, these courses are offered in support of other graduate programs: ARTH 593, 594, 596, and 599. See Course Descriptions section of this catalog.

Minor in Art History

The minor in art history requires 18 credit hours and covers a broad spectrum of periods, cultures, and themes, with an emphasis on historical context.

  1. 100- or 200-level ARTH courses (3-6 credits)
  2. 300-level ARTH courses (9-12 credits)
  3. 400-level or above ARTH course (3 credits)

See University Programs section in this catalog for minor in ancient Mediterranean art and archaeology.

PAGE Students

The general education requirements (with the exception of foreign language) for the B.A. are satisfied by successful completion of the Program for Alternative General Education (PAGE). See PAGE section in this catalog; sample schedules for art history majors are available in the PAGE office. PAGE courses will not be available after May 1998.

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in art history fulfill the university's writing-intensive requirement by successfully completing any 400-level ARTH course.


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