Art and Art History
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Major Requirements
Liberal Studies Requirements
Schedule of Classes
Department Site
To inquire about this program:
Admission Office | 312-362-8300
It is the goal of the Department of Art and Art History to develop and maintain an educational program in which the students learn the historical and creative possibilities of visual culture. Visual art is a basic and universal category of human expression and communication.
The faculty in the department are visual specialists who analyze, organize, and give form to ideas and information. The curriculum emphasizes research and conceptual thinking, creative problem solving, the development of specific skills, and the historical function of art. Across the four concentrations of the department, the common aim is to impart these diverse methods, skills, and problems to the students in order to provide a foundation for their understanding of visual culture in contemporary times and historically.
Whether in studio classes, design laboratories, or art history seminars, the department strives to develop an understanding of art as an individual act of creative self discovery as well as a social process. This conceptual focus allows for an emphasis on the creative and verbal exchange of ideas which in turn fosters a more critical and productive response to visual culture.
The Art & Art History Department has four concentrations, and a program of interdisciplinary study for a Bachelor of Arts degree: Media Arts, Art and Design, Art History and Fine Art; plus Pre-Professional Study.
Each of the concentrations are comprised of wide varieties of comparative courses, specifically designed to enhance students' creativity, productivity, artistic and analytic skills and the grasp of the subject matter on the whole.
Minors are also offered in four areas: Studio Art, Art History, Art+Design and Photography. In addition, there is a minor offered through Communication specifically designed for students majoring in Art + Design or Media Arts.
The city of Chicago is a stimulating environment for art students. It offers the Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago Cultural Center, River North Art Gallery District, Terra Museum and Chicago Historical Society, as well as specialized lectures and exhibits. Students may intern at museums, galleries and graphic design studios.
