# ART HISTORY AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES (Associate in Arts)

Cuesta College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Art

Source: https://cuesta.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/30065/30066/30067/30068/30083

The A.A. Degree in Art History and Professional Practices prepares students to transfer to colleges and universities, enter an arts management career, or Fine Arts students may pursue this degree concurrently with an art studio degree to enhance their understanding of their creative process in a broad historical context and to prepare for gallery representation and exhibition of their work.

Art History is the study of visual art from prehistory to the present. It places emphasis on the visual language, historical context, cultural values, techniques, materials, and technological changes in the history of art and architecture. The Art History and Professional Practices program provides students with a core curriculum that will prepare them with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in the study of Art History and the curatorial, business, and installation aspects of exhibiting art. Students will develop skills for critical and analytical thinking, perceptive reading and observation, and interpretive analysis.

**Learning Outcome(s):**

1.  Recognize and describe major developments and representative works of art and architecture in western art from prehistory through contemporary periods.
2.  Write about art historical movements, individual artists, and art exhibitions employing relevant terminology and vocabulary.
3.  Analyze and differentiate works of art and architecture in terms of historical context, cultural values, visual language and aesthetic innovation.
4.  Recognize and describe the formal and conceptual aspects of works of art, including the elements and principles of design and specific iconography.
5.  Recognize and describe the artistic traditions and representative works of art and architecture in non-western art including India, Asia, Pre-Columbian America, and Africa.
6.  Describe and analyze the mission and functions of art museums, as well as the professional roles involved in working in museums.
7.  Apply professional practices in the installation of art exhibitions.
8.  Assess career opportunities in arts management.

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Required Courses (6 courses; 18 credits):** | | 18 |
| ARTH 202 | INTRODUCTION TO MUSEUM PRACTICES | 3 |
| ARTH C1100 | SURVEY OF ART FROM PREHISTORY TO THE MEDIEVAL ERA | 3 |
| ARTH C1200 | SURVEY OF ART FROM THE RENAISSANCE TO CONTEMPORARY | 3 |
| ARTH 205 | SURVEY OF MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART HISTORY | 3 |
| ARTH 295 | ART GALLERY | 3 |
| ARTH 207 | LATIN AMERICAN ART HISTORY I: ANCIENT | 3 |
| or ARTH 208 | SURVEY OF MEXICAN ART HISTORY | 3 |
| or ARTH 210 | SURVEY OF ASIAN ART HISTORY | 3 |
| or ARTH 211 | SURVEY OF AFRICAN ART HISTORY | 3 |
| **Two courses (6 credits) chosen from the following:** | | 6 |
| ART 220 | FUNDAMENTALS OF 2-D DESIGN | 3 |
| ART 221 | DRAWING I | 3 |
| ART 249A | DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY I | 3 |
| ART 255 | ILLUSTRATOR: VECTOR GRAPHICS AND ILLUSTRATION | 3 |
| ART 256 | FOUNDATION OF DIGITAL IMAGING ART | 3 |
| ART 259 | INTERACTION DESIGN I | 3 |
| ART 266 | GRAPHIC DESIGN | 3 |
| ART 268 | TYPOGRAPHY | 3 |
| ART 270 | FUNDAMENTALS OF 3-D DESIGN | 3 |
| ART 280 | CERAMICS I: INTRODUCTION TO CERAMICS | 3 |
| **Total** | | **24** |