The Department offers programs leading to the degrees of
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy.
The goal of the Department is to develop the student's critical
understanding of visual culture in both art historical and
archaeological contexts.
The faculty is dedicated to providing the undergraduate a rich
learning experience in the humanities through an integrated
process of engaged looking, critical thinking and writing,
effective and clear communication, and active learning.
Undergraduates are offered a diverse selection of courses in
the art and archaeology of Africa, the Americas, Asia, and
Europe. Students are encouraged to supplement their art
historical and archaeological studies with courses in other
fields, to participate in internships at local museums and
galleries, and to take advantage of Maryland's study abroad
programs.
The Department offers two graduate degrees: the Master of
Arts and the Doctor of Philosophy. The M.A. program is
designed to provide a sound knowledge of art history,
essential bibliography, and basic methods of research.
The Ph.D. program trains scholars to pursue advanced
research in more specific areas of study.
In order to enhance the graduate student's curricular choices, the Department maintains an arrangement for course exchange with the Art History Department of The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore. Advanced students may also participate in seminars given by the prestigious Folger Institute at the Folger Shakespeare Library. To similar effect, the Department is a member of the Washington Area Art History Consortium, uniting the graduate art history departments in the greater Washington area.
Students in Dr. Alicia Volk's class meeting with Dr. Ann Yonemura, Curator of Japanese Art at the Freer Gallery of Art