Art History (Major)
Notre Dame’s art history major is designed to equip our students with a broad overview of the development of Western art and to provide them with an in-depth knowledge of particular periods, problems, and research methods. The diversity and scholarly strength of our faculty and the research facilities of the Hesburgh Library, including the Medieval Institute, are supplemented by the rich resource of the Snite Museum of Art. With a permanent collection of over 21,000 works, the Snite Museum not only gives our students an invaluable firsthand acquaintance with important examples from all periods and many cultures—including distinguished collections of old master drawings, 19th- and early-20th-century photographs, and Pre-Columbian art—but also provides a wide range of opportunities for our students to gain practical museum experience in both volunteer and paid positions.
The University of Notre Dame offers a 45-hour Art Conservation Track, a 33-hour Honors Program (11 courses), and a 30-hour first major (10 courses). This degree is intended not only for students who are already intent upon pursuing a career in an art museum or gallery or as a college or university professor, but also for those individuals who simply wish to learn more about Western civilization through the examination of some of its most beautiful, provocative, and informative objects.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One course at the 10000-level or 20000-level | 3 | |
| One course at the 20000-level or higher | 3 | |
| ARHI 40910 | Research Methods and Theories in Art History | 3 |
(taken Sophomore or Junior year) | ||
| Three courses at the 30000-level or higher | 9 | |
| Two courses at the 40000-level or higher | 6 | |
| Two elective courses at any level | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Art History Conservation Track
Students wishing to complete the conservation track are required to complete eight art history courses: one course at the 10000-level or 20000-level, one course at the 20000-level or higher, Research Methods and Theories in Art History (ARHI 40910) (taken sophomore or junior year), three courses at the 30000-level or higher, and two courses at the 40000-level or higher. It also includes two studio art courses, organic chemistry with a lab component, three science courses (with a lab component), and a one-credit capstone project or internship.
Departmental Honors in Art History and the Senior Thesis
The Honors Program will consist of 33 hours, as compared to 30 hours in the regular first major. First majors with a grade point average of 3.667 or above in Art History courses may petition the faculty for permission to enter the Art History Honors Program contingent upon maintaining this GPA level and the successful completion of an Honors Thesis. The student who wishes to be considered for departmental honors must select a thesis advisor with whom the student has taken courses in the area of specialization for the thesis. The student must petition the faculty with a one-page letter by the 10th week of the spring semester of the student’s junior year. The letter should be addressed to the Director of Undergraduate Studies for Art History. In the letter the student should give a brief indication of with whom and on what they are proposing to write her/his thesis and a brief account of her/his future plans. If the faculty approves, then in place of one of the elective art history courses or seminars the student will sign up for six credit hours of Honors Thesis credit, taking three hours in the fall semester of their senior year and three hours in the spring semester of their senior year.
Students who maintain the required 3.667 or higher GPA and successfully complete a senior thesis with a grade of A– or higher will earn Honors in Art History.