Contact Information
- Division
- Liberal Arts
- Dean
- Patrick Marasso
- Associate Deans
- Soni Verma, Maria Villasenor
- 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
Brenna M. Chapman
Professor, Art/Art History/Women and Gender Studies
B.A., University of California, Davis
M.A., University of California, Davis
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.)
The exact wording of the law pertaining to associate degrees for transfer may be found in Education Code Section 66746.
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
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ARHI 0110 | Survey of Western Art I: Prehistory through the Middle Ages | 3 |
| ARHI 0120 | Survey of Western Art II: Renaissance Traditions | 3 |
| ARHI 0130 | Survey of Western Art III: Modern through Contemporary | 3 |
| ART 0004A | Drawing I | 3 |
| Select 3 units from the following Art History courses: | 3 | |
| History of the Arts of Africa, the Americas, and Oceania | ||
| History of Asian Art | ||
| History of Islamic Art | ||
| Select 3 units from the following, or unused course from the preceding area: | 3 | |
| History of Women in Art | ||
| History and Aesthetics of Photography (also PHOT 0010) | ||
| History of Latinx and Chicanx Art | ||
| Select 3 units from the following Studio Arts courses: | 3 | |
| Two-Dimensional Design Foundations | ||
| Three-Dimensional Design Foundations | ||
| Color Theory | ||
| Oil Painting I | ||
| Sculpture I | ||
| Ceramics I | ||
| Printmaking I | ||
| Digital Art Studio: Concepts and Practices (also AAD 0073) | ||
| Beginning Photography | ||
| Total Units | 21 | |
Courses
Understanding course descriptions
ARHI 0101. Art Appreciation
Units: 3
Formerly known as ART 10
Hours: 54 lecture
Introductory course for non-art majors offering a look at works of art through the study of theory, terminology, themes, design principles, media, techniques, with an introduction to the visual arts across time and diverse cultures. (C-ID ARTH 100) (CSU, UC)
ARHI 0110. Survey of Western Art I: Prehistory through the Middle Ages
Units: 3
Formerly known as ART 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Survey of developments in European and Near Eastern art and visual culture from Paleolithic times through the Middle Ages, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and early Christian and Islamic cultures. Significant monuments and artworks of each major culture discussed, analyzed, and placed within historical context. Special attention paid to architectural monuments as both political and religious structures, the development of figural sculpture, and the evolving debate over the rightful ownership of ancient objects. (C-ID ARTH 110) (CSU, UC)
ARHI 0120. Survey of Western Art II: Renaissance Traditions
Units: 3
Formerly known as ART 1B
Hours: 54 lecture
Survey of developments in western art and visual culture from 1400-1850. Significant artists and monuments of each major period and region discussed, analyzed, and placed within historical context. Special attention given to the evolving status of the artist, the development of major European art institutions, and the functions of art and architecture within society. (combined with ARHI 130, C-ID ARTH 120) (CSU, UC)
ARHI 0130. Survey of Western Art III: Modern through Contemporary
Units: 3
Formerly known as ART 1C
Hours: 54 lecture
Study of the historical development of art and architecture in Europe and the United States from early-nineteenth century to contemporary practices. Significant artists and structures of each major region and period discussed and analyzed within their historical contexts with special attention given to the changing status of the artist, the development of major Western art institutions and the functions of art and architecture in society. (combined with ARHI 120, C-ID ARTH 120) (CSU, UC)
ARHI 0132. History of Women in Art
Units: 3
Formerly known as ART 1E
Hours: 54 lecture
Surveys women in the arts of western civilization both as art subjects and artists. Includes introduction of critical approaches to gender, class, race, sexuality, and identity as they influence art production and representation in various cultures and time periods. (CSU, UC)
ARHI 0134. History and Aesthetics of Photography
Units: 3
Formerly known as ART 11
Also known as PHOT 10
Hours: 54 lecture
Historical and thematic survey of photography as an art form and communication tool from its invention to the present. Explores various critical perspectives including aesthetic and design principles, influential themes, periods, and photographers. Investigates technical considerations, photography's role in the development of mass culture and other societal influences. (CSU, UC)
ARHI 0140. History of the Arts of Africa, the Americas, and Oceania
Units: 3
Formerly known as ART 1G
Hours: 54 lecture
Study of various art forms of the cultures of Africa, the Americas, and Oceania from prehistoric times to the present. (C-ID ARTH 140) (CSU, UC)
ARHI 0142. History of Latinx and Chicanx Art
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Survey of 20th and 21st century Latinx and Chicanx art in context, covering historical origins, influences, and innovations as well as intersections with social justice, gender, sexuality, and race. (CSU, UC)
ARHI 0150. History of Asian Art
Units: 3
Formerly known as ART 1D
Hours: 54 lecture
Study of the painting, sculpture, architecture and other art forms of India, China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia from prehistoric times to present. (C-ID ARTH 130) (CSU, UC)
ARHI 0155. History of Islamic Art
Units: 3
Formerly known as ART 1F
Hours: 54 lecture
Survey of the art and architecture produced by the wide and varied cultures that can be considered Islamic. Fourteen hundred years of visual culture from Spain to North Africa to the Middle East to South and South East are covered. In addition, special attention paid to the Islamic diaspora and the role of Islamic artists in the contemporary world today. (CSU, UC)
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.
