Department of Art & Humanities - Curriculum

The Art History program at The American University of Rome provides a rigorous education focused on western and neighboring visual cultures. The program stimulates the acquisition of knowledge and encourages critical thinking skills, creativity and cross-cultural understanding. Our international faculty of active scholars instructs small classes, many on-site in Rome and around Europe. Through interactive teaching and personal supervision we aim to develop each student’s intellectual potential and life-long engagement with cultural heritage and to foster the skills necessary for the modern workplace.

The Art History program will develop in students majoring in art history:
1. perceptual analysis of the visual arts
2. the ability to situate a work of art in its historical and cultural context
3. critical method and research skills for historically informed reception
4. effective oral and written communication skills within the context of the disciplines of Art History and the Humanities

The Bachelor of Arts in Art History requires successful completion of 120 credits made up of a 42 credit general education requirement, a 60 credit major and 18 credits of free electives. Students must achieve a cumulative grade point average of no less than 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, and earn at least a C grade (2.0) in all core requirements (24 credits). Art History majors are also required to complete a second year of Italian language (in addition to General Education requirements) or demonstrate an equivalent proficiency.

The 60 credit major comprises 24 credits of core courses, which are focused on the Western art tradition, 18 credits of art electives and 18 credits of art-related electives in which students broaden their perspective by making connections to other disciplines. The art-related electives may be focused into one of five concentrations:

• Visual Arts Administration
• Heritage Management
• Classical Studies
• Film Studies
• Archaeology

General Education Credit Requirements
Art History Major Credit Requirements
Minor Requirements