Undergraduate Major Requirements

An undergraduate field distribution spreadsheet is available to help students plan their course requirements.

Major in Art History

  • The major's colloquium (AHIS W3895)
  • Seven 3-point lecture courses in art history. Students must take at least one course in four of five general areas: ancient Mediterranean, Western Medieval, Renaissance & Baroque, 18th-20th century, and non-Western
  • Two seminars in art history
  • A studio course in the visual arts or architecture (which may be taken pass/fail)

Note: The yearlong senior thesis (for qualified students) AHIS C3997-C3998 may substitute for one lecture course. Seminars may substitute for lecture courses. Planning sheets have to be submitted in hard copy to the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Major in the History and Theory of Architecture

  • The major's colloquium AHIS W3895
  • Seven lecture courses in art history including AHIS C3001 and three other courses focusing on architectural history. Courses must cover four of five general areas: ancient Mediterranean, Western Medieval, Renaissance & Baroque, 18th-20th century, non-Western
  • At least one seminar in art history or architectural history
  • ARCH V1020 (which may be taken pass/fail)
  • Courses in the Department of Architecture may substitute for up to two courses in art history with approval of the advisor

Note: The yearlong Undergraduate Thesis (for qualified students) AHIS C3997–C3998 may substitute for one lecture course. Seminars may substitute for lecture courses. Planning sheets have to be submitted in hard copy to the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Combined Major in Art History and Visual Arts

  • The major's colloquium (AHIS W3895)
  • Seven 3-point lecture courses in art history. Students must take at least one course in four of five general areas: ancient Mediterranean, Western Medieval, Renaissance & Baroque, 18th, 19th and 20th century, non-Western
  • 21 points in Visual Arts covering: R1001 and R1315 (6 points); one of the following: R3040, R3041, R3411, R3701 or R3201 (3 points); four additional courses in the studio foundation courses (12 points).
  • In the senior year, students undertake either a seminar in the Department of Art History and Archaeology or a senior project in Visual Arts (pending approval by the Visual Arts Department).
  • Up to two of the seven 3-point courses in art history may be replaced by a specifically related course in another department with approval of the advisor. The combined major requires fulfillment of sixteen or seventeen courses. It is recommended that students interested in this major begin work toward the requirements in their sophomore year.

Advising: Students electing the combined major should consult with a faculty advisor in the department, as well as with the director of undergraduate studies in the Visual Arts Department.

Note: Planning sheets have to be submitted in hard copy to the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Concentration in Art History 

Seven lecture courses in art history covering four of five areas as described for the major. Concentrators are not required to take the majors' colloquium, a seminar, or a studio course.

Note: Planning sheets have to be submitted in hard copy to the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Concentration in the History and Theory of Architecture

Seven lecture courses in art history, including four in architectural history, covering four of five areas as described for the major. Concentrators are not required to take the majors' colloquium, a seminar, or a studio course.

Note: Planning sheets have to be submitted in hard copy to the Director of Undergraduate Studies.