History of Art, Design and Visual Culture

Why study this program?

This program explores our visual world and its messages. Course topics range widely, from representations of sex and death in the Renaissance, to performing bodies in contemporary activist art, to China’s design revolution. You’ll learn the practice of slow looking, how to pose original questions of art works, and how to engage in creative research projects, including faculty/student curatorial projects and pop-up exhibitions in public spaces.

This major can also be taken as part of a BA Honors degree.

Why study at the University of Alberta?

The Faculty of Arts boasts one of the most diverse Arts programs in Canada, offering top quality educational opportunities that prepare students for successful careers in every sector of society. With over 900 distinct courses in the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts, you will find an academic pathway for you. Your studies will be enhanced by the rich insights that our nationally and internationally recognized faculty members bring to the classroom through unique insights drawn from their research and advancement of human knowledge. Academic excellence, innovative problem-solving, and experiential learning opportunities beyond the classroom, such as Community Service-Learning and Arts Work Experience programs, will give you the tools to thrive in a diverse and increasingly complex workplace.

1. Getting Started

Check out our Application Resource Videos to help you through the application process.