The Department of History of Art and Architecture treats critically the major fields in world art, from ancient to contemporary, and serves to connect the arts to the other humanities. Many students will use the program in history of art and architecture as a foundation for careers in which analytical reading and writing skills gained in the major are especially valued: as the basis for advanced training in professional schools (such as architecture, law, medicine, journalism, and business), for postgraduate work in history of art or architecture, and for employment in galleries, museums, or design-related fields. A major goal of the department is to help students become readers of visual images and material culture throughout their lives, as well as to encourage visual approaches to learning.
Majors in history of art and architecture participate in the activities of the Vanderbilt History of Art Society and work closely with departmental advisers. The History of Art Society and the department sponsor events such as panels, lectures, debates, and other programs where majors meet and engage in discussions with historians of art and museum curators.
The department curriculum complements those of related departments and programs, including African American and Diaspora Studies, American Studies, Anthropology, Asian Studies, Cinema and Media Arts, Classical and Mediterranean Studies, European Studies, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Latin American Studies, and Religious Studies.
The Department of History of Art and Architecture offers a major and minor in history of art, and a major and minor in architecture and the built environment.