Art History involves the historical interpretation and visual analysis of painting, sculpture, architecture, and other forms of visual art. Art historians view the work of art as an embodiment of the values of its time and place of origin, and are experts on the lives of artists as well as the forms, traditions, and theoretical context of the visual arts.
Art history students in UC's College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) have the opportunity to complete internships in local museums, to study a foreign language, and to take a variety of liberal arts electives. Art history majors develop research and writing skills as tools for speaking, writing, and thinking about art and design. Courses are offered in many areas with particular strength in modern and contemporary art, art of the United States, Chinese and Japanese art, African-American art, and museum studies. Courses in ancient art and architecture are taught by members of the UC Classics Department. Additional courses in the history of design and architecture are offered in other programs of the College of DAAP.