Department of Art & Humanities - Chair's Welcome

Welcome to the webpage of the Department of Arts & Humanities at The American University of Rome. Our program is the newest and (we like to think!!) the most exciting. Being situated in the ‘eternal city’ we get the opportunity to leave behind the classroom and the power-point presentations and take our classes on-site to see art first hand and to experience archaeology by being in the middle of an excavation.

Our core curriculum focuses on the western art tradition but we don’t stop there! In electives you can explore other aspects of art and also try your hand at studio art. All students also take18 credits of art-related course which you can use to explore the fascinating world of the Ancient Greeks and Romans, contemporary film or to help prepare yourself for a future career by studying the Business of Art.

Majors in Art History often use the knowledge and skills they have acquired in the subject to move on to successful posts in arts administration, art galleries, auction houses, museums, restoration, cultural heritage and academic careers. However, probably just as important are the analytical and critical thinking skills acquired in studying Classics and Art History and the creativity fostered in Studio Art courses which are all invaluable attributes in any job.

The faculty comes from all over the world, drawn to Rome by a love of the city and inspired by the richness of its 2,500 year heritage. We hope that we can impart some of the fascination that we feel for this special place to you.

Valerie Higgins Ph.D.
Chair of Arts & Humanities
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