What is Art History
Art History examines the histories of art in cultural context, visual communication in the world today, and the impact of visual technology in the future. In studying Art History, you will learn to interpret and analyze art and visual culture.
Art History Degree(s)
Art History, BA
Western Art History students learn to interpret and analyze art and visual culture, examining the histories of art in cultural context, visual communication in the world today, and the impact of visual technology in the future.
Contact
Art Major Information,
ArtInfo@wwu.edu | 360-650-3660
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Western Art History students learn to interpret and analyze art and visual culture, examining the histories of art in cultural context, visual communication in the world today, and the impact of visual technology in the future.
As art historians in-training, students explore why culturally significant objects came to exist, what purpose they served, and how they continue to captivate us. By studying human expression through an engagement with culturally significant objects, images, and ideas, artists and historians document the changing world.
Related Majors
Related Minors
My Art History degree has been incredibly beneficial and relevant to my career in marketing. 麻豆果冻传媒官方入口鈥檚 Art History program taught me how to think critically, communicate effectively, and analyze visual design in ways others do not. Almost a decade after graduating, I鈥檓 still so happy I decided to major in Art History
Marisa Ellis
Art History Alumni
Student Experiences
Beyond the Classroom
Art history students have unique opportunities to gain hands-on, practical experience for a future career in the art world. Faculty assist students in handling and installing artworks, learning and expanding research skills, and improving critical analysis and essay-writing abilities.
Western Art Galleries
Students play an active role in the operations of Western鈥檚 three galleries, including the Western Gallery and two student run galleries鈥攖he Viking Union and B galleries.
Research
Art faculty encourage students to explore the academic world through research assistantships鈥攁n invaluable experience for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in the field.
Internships
While in the department, students have a chance to do internships with local businesses, learning about how to employ their burgeoning skills in various art-related fields.
Study Abroad
The Department of Art offers many opportunities to travel abroad and domestically. Students participate in unique, life-changing encounters with art and art history.
A degree in Art History prepares students for a future as a teacher, museum educator, gallery curator, visual resource librarian, art critic, scholar, and other careers that require creative problem solving and knowledge of visual language.
Western Art alumni have gone on to pursue their passions, including:
- Robert McCauley: National Endowment for the Arts fellowship recipient and professional painter
- Eugenie Tung: Head teacher for the Joan Mitchell Foundation Education Program
- Jim Goldberg: Author of seven books, National Endowment for the Arts and Guggenheim Fellowship recipient, and professional photographer
- Virginia Troy: Associate professor of Art History at Berry College
Careers
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