Art History
Certificate of Achievement (C) Art · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Overview
The Certificate of Achievement in Art History provides students with the foundational knowledge in western and non-western art, from beginnings to contemporary art with a basic introduction to materials and techniques. The certificate requires students to complete two series of survey courses, and an art studio course to demonstrate a foundation of knowledge in the discipline.
This certificate prepares students to work or intern at art galleries, museums and other art venues, and festivals that have art components. An Art History Certificate is a good liberal arts compliment to majors in Psychology, Communications, Literature, Sociology, Film Production, Theater, Political Science, Ethnic Studies, and more. It also shows breadth when combined with STEM majors. An Art History certificate is a highly regarded compliment to Studio Art majors of all types. Study of the Visual Arts is also a vocationally enriching and provides opportunity for lifelong personal enrichment.
Requirements
Certificate of Achievement Requirements
Complete all Major Requirements for the Certificate of Achievement with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. Candidates for a Certificate of Achievement are required to complete at least 20% of the major requirements through SBCC.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| Required Core | ||
| ART 102A | Early Twentieth Century Art, 1900-1945 | 3 |
| ART 102B | Late Twentieth Century Art | 3 |
| ARTH C1100 | Survey of Art from Prehistory to the Medieval Era | 3-4 |
| orARTH C1100H | Survey of Art from Prehistory to the Medieval Era - Honors | |
| ARTH C1200 | Survey of Art from the Renaissance to Contemporary | 3-4 |
| orARTH C1200H | Survey of Art from the Renaissance to Contemporary - Honors | |
| List A - Complete one course from the following: | 3 | |
| ART 108 | History of Asian Art | |
| ART 110 | History of Women in Art | |
| ART 111 | Arts of Africa, Oceania, and Indigenous America, Beginnings to Present | |
| ART 112 | Survey Of Ancient American Art | |
| ART 114 | History Of Photography | |
| List B - Complete one course from the following: | 3 | |
| ART 120 | Fundamentals Of Drawing | |
| ART 130 | Integrated Drawing and Painting | |
| ART 132 | Fundamentals of Painting | |
| ART 140 | Studio Art Foundations (2-D) | |
| ART 141 | Studio Art Foundations 3D | |
| ART 170 | Introduction to Sculpture | |
| Total Units | 18.00-20.00 | |
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize and describe stylistic characteristics and common iconographic themes, cite stylistic influences, and analyze art's role as the transmitter of cultural values for canonical works in Western Art History, Prehistory to Modern period.
- Recognize and describe stylistic characteristics and common iconographic themes, cite stylistic influences, and analyze art's role as the transmitter of cultural values for Late Modern and Contemporary Art.
- Recognize and describe stylistic characteristics and common iconographic themes, cite stylistic influences, and analyze art's role as the transmitter of cultural values for a Non-western culture based on a selected course for the certificate.
- Demonstrate formal skills by creating works of art using a variety of studio techniques, organizational principles, and materials to communicate ideas, based on a selected introductory studio art course for the certificate.
Recommended Sequence
Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.
How to schedule an Academic Counseling appointment.