The art history program introduces students to global culture through the lens of art and architecture. Art history embraces an interdisciplinary approach that draws on history, archaeology, anthropology, religion, literature, and other allied disciplines to understand and interpret visual culture. The curriculum cultivates skills in critical analysis, research, oral and written communication, and visual literacy that prepare students for careers and graduate/professional schools in diverse fields in and outside the arts. We are able to offer face-to-face instruction by permanent faculty who are actively engaged in international research.
To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements.
Critical TrackingModel Semester Plan
Overview
Students pursuing the BA in Art History take 14 courses (42 credits) in the School of Art + Art History:
- 3 credits, ARH 2050
- 3 credits, ARH 2051
- 3 credits, any 1000 or 2000 level ART course for majors or non-majors
- 3 credits, any 2000 level ARH survey course that focuses on the art of Africa, Asia, and/or Latin America and/or on the art of Native Americans, Aboriginal Australians, and/or Pacific Islanders, or ARH 2500
- 21 credits, any 3000 or 4000 level ARH courses
- 6 credits, any 3000 or 4000 level ARH or ART courses
- 3 credits, ARH 4931
ARH 3000/4000 Electives Distribution Requirements
The ARH courses at the 3000 /4000 level must be distributed chronologically:
- at least 3 credits, Art before 1300
- at least 3 credits, Art from 1300 to 1750
- at least 3 credits, Art after 1750
If a course applies to two chronological categories; a student may use it to fulfill the requirement for only one chronological category.
The ARH courses at the 3000/4000 level must also be distributed in the following ways:
- at least 3 credits, Art of the ancient Mediterranean basin and/or ancient Near East and/or the art of Europe and/or the United States
- at least 3 credits, Art of Africa, Asia, and/or Latin America and/or the art of Native Americans, Aboriginal Australians, and/or Pacific Islanders
If a course applies to both of these categories; a student can use it to fulfill the requirement for only one category.
Beyond the required courses in the SA+AH, students must take 5 of their electives (15 credits) at the 3000/4000 level in any discipline.
Majors also need to demonstrate college-level foreign language proficiency. Foreign language skills prepare students for art historical research and greater international engagement. You may already be proficient in a foreign language or you may need additional study to demonstrate proficiency. The art history program requires the same level of proficiency as the majors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. See CLAS Foreign Language Requirement for ways to demonstrate proficiency by exam, college-level credit from another institution, or taking coursework at UF.
Students planning to attend graduate school in art history should develop foreign language skills beyond the minimum requirement. Advanced art historical research requires reading complex primary and secondary sources in multiple foreign languages. The faculty will gladly advise students on foreign language study.
Critical Tracking
Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for entry to each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.
Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.
Semester 1
- Complete 2 of 6 critical-tracking courses with minimum grades of C: ARH 2050, ARH 2051, ARH 2500 or any 2000 level ARH survey course that focuses on the art of Africa, Asia, and/or Latin America and/or on the art of Native Americans, Aboriginal Australians, and/or Pacific Islanders, one ART at 1000/2000 level, beginning sequence of a foreign language that can be used for art historical research
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 2
- Complete 2 additional critical-tracking courses with minimum grades of C
- 2.5 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 3
- Complete 1 additional critical-tracking course with a minimum grade of C
- 2.75 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 4
- Complete 1 additional critical-tracking courses with minimum grades of C
- 3.0 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
- 2.0 UF GPA
Semester 5
- Complete all additional critical-tracking courses with minimum grades of C
- 3.0 GPA on all critical-tracking courses
- 2.0 UF GPA required
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Model Semester Plan
To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. These courses must be completed by the terms as listed above in the Critical Tracking criteria.
This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.
| Semester 1 |
Credits |
|---|
| ARH 2050 Introduction to Principles and History of Art 1 |
3 |
IUF 1000 What is the Good Life
GE-H |
3 |
| Foreign language Beginning Sequence 1 |
3-5 |
Composition
GE-C; WR |
3 |
| Total |
12-14 |
| Semester 2 |
Credits |
|---|
| ARH 2051 Introduction to Principles and History of Art 2 |
3 |
| Foreign language Beginning Sequence 2 |
3-5 |
Mathematics
State Core GE-M, pure math |
3 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
State Core GE-S |
3 |
| Total |
12-14 |
| Semester 3 |
Credits |
|---|
ARH 2500 Non-Western Art or
Any 2000 level ARH survey course that focuses on the art of Africa, Asia, and/or Latin America and/or on the art of Native Americans, Aboriginal Australians, and/or Pacific Islanders 3000/4000 level |
3 |
Biological or Physical Science
State Core GE-B or P |
3 |
Humanities
State Core GE-H |
3 |
Mathematics
GE-M |
3 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
GE-S |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 4 |
Credits |
|---|
ART elective
1000/2000 level |
3 |
ARH art history elective
3000/4000 level; must meet ARH Electives Distribution Requirements listed above |
3 |
Biological or Physical Science
GE-B or P |
3 |
Composition
State Core GE-C |
3 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
GE-S |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 5 |
Credits |
|---|
ARH art history electives
3000/4000 level; must meet ARH Electives Distribution Requirements listed above |
6 |
Biological or Physical Science
GE-B or P |
3 |
Elective
3000/4000 level |
3 |
| Elective |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 6 |
Credits |
|---|
ARH art history electives
3000/4000 level; must meet ARH Electives Distribution Requirements listed above |
6 |
Electives
3000/4000 level |
6 |
| Elective |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 7 |
Credits |
|---|
| ARH 4931 Art History Seminar |
3 |
ARH art history electives
3000/4000 level; must meet ARH Electives Distribution Requirements listed above |
6 |
Elective
3000/4000 level |
3 |
| Electives |
6 |
| Total |
18 |
| Semester 8 |
Credits |
|---|
ART or ARH art studio or art history electives
3000/4000 level; must meet ARH Electives Distribution Requirements listed above |
6 |
Elective
3000/4000 level |
3 |
| Electives |
9 |
| Total |
18 |
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Related Art Programs
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