Art History

Contact Information

Division

Liberal Arts

Dean

Anne Fleischmann (Interim)

Associate Deans

Susan Lucyga, Lynn Medeiros (Interim)

Division Office

W 107, Rocklin Campus

Overview

Art history encompasses the study of visual objects from the earliest human creations to the contemporary world. We live in an increasingly visual world, and the discipline of art history provides students a framework for critically interacting with that world. Through historical surveys and introduction to critical theory, students are equipped with the skills to recognize and analyze the style, form, and context of objects in isolation and in comparison. At the core of this study is verbal and written fluency in visual literacy. Students will be able to recognize and thoughtfully scrutinize the fundamental relationships between art and production, materials, individual creativity, communication, power, value systems, and culture.

Faculty

Degrees/Certificates

Art History for Transfer

AA-T Degree

Art History is a program that provides students with an understanding of the history of visual arts and architecture. The program curriculum introduces students to the different art historical methodologies that shape the study of art of the past and present. Students examine art objects stylistically and contextually while highlighting a relationship between the object and the cultural values and beliefs of its creators. Students also explore the role of the artist, the patrons and the audience of art throughout history. The courses emphasize the fundamentals of visual analysis resulting in critical thinking and writing, as well as visual literacy.

The Associate in Arts in Art History for Transfer degree (AA-T) prepares students to transfer into the CSU system to complete a bachelor’s degree in Art History or a major deemed similar by a CSU campus. Students earning an associate degree for transfer and meeting the CSU minimum transfer admission requirements are guaranteed admission with junior standing to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Upon transfer, students will be required to complete no more than 60 additional prescribed units to earn a bachelor’s degree.

To earn the Associate in Arts in Art History for Transfer degree, students must complete 60 CSU-transferable semester units with a minimum grade point average of 2.0, including both of the following:

• completion of all courses required for the major with grades of “C” or better; and
• completion of the California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE) pattern or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern. (Students transferring to a CSU campus using IGETC must complete Area 1C Oral Communication to be eligible for admission.)

It is highly recommended that, prior to transferring, students complete courses that satisfy the CSU United States History, Constitution and American Ideals graduation requirement. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

RESTRICTION: International coursework from non-United States regionally accredited institutions cannot be applied to associate degrees for transfer.

Required Courses

Art History

AA Degree

The AA program in Art History provides students with an understanding of the history of visual arts and architecture. Successful completion of the curriculum in Art History will prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges or universities. The program curriculum introduces students to the different art historical methodologies that shape the study of arts of the past and present. Students examine art objects stylistically and contextually while highlighting a relationship between the object and the cultural values and beliefs of its creators. Students also explore the role of the artist, the patrons and the audience of art throughout history. The courses emphasize the fundamentals of visual analysis resulting in critical thinking and writing, as well as visual literacy. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:

• Sierra College Associate Degree Requirements ;
• California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE) pattern;
• Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) .

Required Courses

Courses

Understanding course descriptions

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)

• Differentiate and evaluate verbally or in written form a work of art (his or her own art, the work of other students, and/or historical works of art) in terms of technical and aesthetic success and historical/cultural references.
• Analyze problem, formulate/invent idea then execute and use  appropriate techniques to build or construct a solution/project that meets assignment criteria.
• Practice and demonstrate appropriate, safe and sustainable studio/lab practices, when inventing and producing solutions, to meet assigned project criteria.
• Use both pre-compiled knowledge and devise alternative knowledge structures to demonstrate understanding of works of art.  Identify, analyze, and/or create images and objects which may contain multiple meanings and ways of communicating.
•  Identify and analyze the achievements and contributions of significant artists and cultures throughout history.