ART HISTORY

The Art History program in Fine Arts prepares students for a major in art history at baccalaureate institutions. Two tracks are offered: Associate in Arts in Art History and Professional Practices (AHPP AA) and Associate in Arts in Art History for Transfer (AA-T in Art History). The AA-T in Art History degree guarantees admission with junior status at a campus of the California State University (CSU) system in Art History or a similar major.

Art History is the study of the 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 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. Students will develop skills for critical and analytical thinking, perceptive reading and observation, and interpretive analysis.

The Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) is a special degree offered at California Community Colleges. Students who earn an AA-T or AS-T degree are guaranteed admission to a campus within the California State University (CSU) system in a similar major, although not necessarily to a specific campus. Students who complete an AA-T or AS-T are given priority consideration when applying to a particular program that is similar to the student’s community college major and will be given a special GPA advantage when applying to CSU impacted campuses or majors. Students who are planning to pursue an AA-T or AS-T are strongly advised to meet with a counselor for additional information about this transfer program.

The Associate in Arts for Transfer degree requires:

(1) Completion of 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:

(A) California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC).

(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

(3) Earn a “C” or better grade in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A “P” (Pass) grade is an acceptable grade for courses in the major.

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. 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.
3. Write about art historical movements and individual artists employing relevant terminology and vocabulary.
4. Analyze and differentiate works of art and architecture in terms of historical context, cultural values, visual language and aesthetic innovation.
5. Recognize and describe the formal and conceptual aspects of works of art, including the elements and principles of design and specific iconography.