Bachelor of Arts - Art and Art History: Program Goals

Program Goals

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of aesthetic traditions and conventions, including contemporary criticism, in assessing the merit and value of artwork;
  2. Acquire critical thinking skills and the ability to articulate concepts and present arguments; 
  3. Analyze the methodologies used in art-historical interpretation, theories, and arguments; 
  4. Expand knowledge of the chronology, concepts, and vocabulary of art from pre-history to the present; 
  5. Examine the role of the visual arts in light of social, political, religious, racial, economic, and aesthetic issues; 
  6. Demonstrate skills in personal discipline (studio habits, ability to focus, ability to work independently) as effectively applied to problem-solving;
  7. Demonstrate intellectual rigor in research and the ability to conduct serious inquiry, with an eye towards continued development after graduation; 
  8. Acquire and demonstrate technical and craftsmanship skills across a wide range of media; 
  9. Acquire and demonstrate practical knowledge in maintaining equipment and a well-functioning studio.

Revised: January 2010

General Education / Liberal Education Requirements (College Goals)

  1. Students must demonstrate proficiency in written communication.
  2. Students must demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language through the intermediate level.
  3. Students must become informed global citizens and gain intercultural awareness through a study abroad experience.
  4. Students must become acquainted with different ages, societies, and cultures and learn how to use a variety of historical sources.
  5. Students must be able to reason abstractly and appreciate the elegance of abstract structure.
  6. Students must understand the methods of scientific discovery and experimental design.
  7. Students must acquire problem-solving and research capability by identifying, locating, evaluating, and effectively using information.
  8. Students must be able to analyze and understand the creative process, assimilate experience, and communicate it.
  9. Students must be able to interpret words, images, objects, and/or actions that are expressions of human culture.
  10. Students must understand the complex nature of social structures and/or human relationships that involve issues of inequality and difference.
  11. Students must explore ecological, policy, social, cultural, and/or historical dimensions of human relationship to the environment.

Link to Curriculum Map (Courses mapped to Program Goals)