Minor in Art History
Overview
The art history minor develops your appreciation for the study of art and art-making, expanding your fluency in the language of the arts. Both art and non-art majors will appreciate the art history minor for its depth of study in the history and development of art movements and works — from ancient to contemporary art, Western art and global art, design and photography. Because art communicates, this minor will teach you how to recognize and critique messages communicated by popular culture.
What Will I Study?
You will receive teaching and instruction from a variety of art professors with expertise in these areas. With greater exposure to non-Western art and visits to Southern California’s impressive array of museums and cultural sites, you will further shape your intercultural thinking and global awareness. All courses are biblically integrated to develop a critical, Christian perspective in your approach to art. This minor will also provide a solid foundation for students interested in graduate studies in art history or curatorial studies, as well as entry-level administration or curatorial positions at art galleries and museums. The art department's new home inside the renovated Bardwell Hall will serve an ideal place to create, ideate, congregate and find inspiration.
Courses
Below are the course requirements for this academic program. In addition to these program-specific requirements, all majors include Biola's traditional undergraduate core curriculum. For more program details, including a sample course sequence, visit Biola's academic catalog.
Core Courses
| ARTS 116 | History of Western Art I: Prehistoric Through Renaissance |
| The first of a two-part survey of Western visual art and architecture, this course explores the ancient origins of Western art as well as its expressions in the Medieval and Renaissance periods. Works of art are discussed in terms of style, meaning, and social context. Grade Mode: A. | |
| ARTS 126 | History of Western Art II: Baroque through Modernism |
| The second of a two-part survey of Western visual art and architecture, this course explores the great contributions to this tradition from the seventeenth century through the mid-twentieth century. Works of art are discussed in terms of style, meaning, and social context. Grade Mode: A. | |
| ARTS 311 | Modernity: Realism to Surrealism |
| The history of painting, sculpture and architecture from 1850 to 1940. Major aesthetic issues that shaped 20th Century art and influenced the early 21st Century will be examined. Grade Mode: A. | |
| ARTS 315 | Contemporary Art Trends |
| A study of art produced since World War II, focusing on current movements within the international art community. Grade Mode: A. | |
| ARTS 321 | Historical Development of Design |
| An investigation of issues and ideas in the history of design, focusing on the development of the image from the icon to motion graphics. Individual designers and significant design movements will be covered. Grade Mode: A. | |
| ARTS 405 | Seminar in Art History |
| Individual or group study under faculty direction with an emphasis in art history, art theory and criticism. Notes: Seminars may be taken multiple times for credit with different content for a total of 12 credits. Grade Mode: A. | |
| ARTS 407 | Gallery Practices |
Gallery Practices introduces a variety of institutional models for "the art gallery" and familiarizes students with a variety of careers in art galleries and museums through practical hands-on experience with curating, designing, and installing art exhibitions. Grade Mode: A. | |
| ARTS 426 | History and Criticism of Photography |
| A focused study on the movements, practitioners (both artists and inventors), and critical theories connected to the history of photography from its invention in the 19th century to the present day. Emphasis is placed on exploring photography's enduring impact on the socio-political, philosophical, and cultural developments of the modern and post-modern era. Grade Mode: A. | |
| ARTS 433 | Global Art Paradigms |
| Investigation of non-western art and architecture in relationship to its currency within the global contemporary art scene. Emphasis is placed on the influence of major forms, functions and materials used by the peoples of Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas in regards to contemporary art. Grade Mode: A. | |
| ARTS 441 | Art Theory and Criticism |
An intensive, reading seminar focusing on writings that have influenced contemporary art criticism and theory. Course focuses on specific authors and/or themes that have impacted the production and discussion of art within the 21st Century. Grade Mode: A. | |