Art History majors typically take the following courses in the fall semester of their first year:
First-Year Experience Learning Community Courses
We will register you in these courses.
- Philosophy (PHIL 201)
- English Composition (ENG 101) OR Theology (TRS 201)
Major and Elective Courses
You will need to choose and register for these courses.
- History of Art: Prehistory to the Middle Ages (Art 211)
- A foreign language (see below)
- A liberal arts foundations course; a course toward a minor, certificate, or other focus area; or a free elective
Language placement
Your major requires you to complete the study of a foreign language through the intermediate level. Catholic University teaches the following languages that satisfy this requirement: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Irish, Italian, Latin, and Spanish. If you are interested in learning a language not listed here, consult with your advisor.
If you have previously studied a foreign language and are interested in continuing with that same language, or if you can demonstrate fluency in a foreign language, you should complete the language placement exam.
About Your First Semester Courses
You will begin by taking "History of Art: Prehistory to the Middles Ages" (ART 211). This course, along with your spring semester course "History of Art: From the Renaissance to the Modern Age" (ART 212), provides a foundation for the study of art history. In these first-year courses you will learn about the evolution of art from cave-paintings to modern art and you will create a timeline that will assist you throughout the rest of your studies in art history.
For all art history majors we suggest that you begin a foreign language, as language requirements are required to be filled before or during any study abroad opportunity.
For your fifth course, you can choose what you like. If there is a particular minor or other field of study you are interested in, you could take an introductory course in that area. Alternatively, some art history majors choose one of the following courses that fit well with their specialized interests and career goals:
If you are interested in Art Conservation, we suggest that you take either "General Chemistry 1" (CHEM 103) or Math 121 (depending on the Math level that you test into) to begin the science electives needed for continued post-graduate studies in Art Conservation.
If you are interested in the Museum or Gallery applications of Art History, we suggest that you take "Introduction to Computers 1" (CSC 104) or "Fundamentals of Economics (ECON 100) to prepare you for the administrative and social media aspect of gallery and museum practice (especially if you are interested in minoring in Business).
To learn more about the Art History major, consult the Art Department’s website.
Know which courses you want? Get registered.