The College Catalogue

• Stephen Perkinson, Department Chair and Director, Art History Division
• Mark C. Wethli, Director, Visual Arts Division
• Elizabeth H. Palmer, Department Coordinator

• Professor: Mark C. Wethli
• Associate Professors: Linda J. Docherty, Pamela M. Fletcher, Michael Kolster, James Mullen, Stephen Perkinson, Susan E. Wegner**
• Assistant Professors: Alicia Eggert, Carrie Scanga†, Peggy Wang (Asian Studies)
• Lecturers: Elizabeth Atterbury, Natasha Goldman
• Sculptor in Residence: John B. Bisbee
• Visiting Faculty: Mary L. Hart, Barbara Petter Putnam (Coastal Studies)
• Fellow: Dana Byrd

The Department of Art comprises two programs: art history and visual arts. Majors in the department are expected to elect one of these programs. The major in art history is devoted primarily to the historical and critical study of the visual arts as an embodiment of some of humanity’s cultural values and a record of the historical interplay of sensibility, thought, and society. The major in visual arts is intended to encourage a sensitive development of perceptual, creative, and critical abilities in visual expression.

Requirements for the Major in Art History 

The art history major consists of ten courses, excluding first-year seminars. Required are Art History 100; one course in African, Asian, or pre-Columbian art history numbered 103 or higher; one from Art History 209 (same as Archaeology 101), 210 (same as Archaeology 102), 213, 214, 215, or 226; one from Art History 222, 223, 224, or 232; one from Art History 242, 252, 254, 262, or 264; one additional 200-level course; two 300-level seminars; and two additional art history courses numbered higher than 101, one of which may be an independent study. Art history majors are also encouraged to take courses in foreign languages and literature, history, philosophy, religion, and the other arts.

Requirements for the Minor in Art History

The minor consists of five courses, excluding first-year seminars. Required courses are Art History 100; two 200-level courses; one 300-level course; and one additional art history course numbered higher than 100.

Courses that will count toward the major and minor must be taken on a graded basis (not Credit/D/Fail), and students must earn grades of C- or better in these courses.

Requirements for the Major in Visual Arts

The major consists of eleven courses, which must include Visual Arts 150; either 170 or 180; either 190 or 195; and both 390 and 395. Four additional visual arts courses must be taken, no more than one of which may be an independent study course. Two courses in art history are also required.

Requirements for the Minor in Visual Arts

The minor consists of six courses, which must include Visual Arts 150 and one of 170, 180, 190, or 195. Three additional visual arts courses must be taken, no more than one of which may be an independent study course. One course in art history is also required. 

Courses that will count toward the major and minor must be taken on a graded basis (not Credit/D/Fail), and students must earn grades of C- or better in these courses.

Visual arts courses without prerequisites are frequently oversubscribed; preference in enrollment is then given to first- and second-year students, as well as to juniors and seniors fulfilling requirements of the visual arts major or minor.

Interdisciplinary Majors

The department participates in interdisciplinary programs in art history and archaeology and in art history and visual arts. See the section on Interdisciplinary Majors.