ART HISTORY AND THEORY: NINETEENTH AND TWENTIETH CENTURY EMPHASES
The art history and theory courses at UMBC focus on major shifts in the visual arts of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. New developments in photography, graphic design, film, performance art, video and digital art have had a profound impact on more conventional art forms and, simultaneously, have fostered ever-changing theoretical debates. Coursework provides students with a thorough understanding of the social, political and economic motivations for an artist's choice of medium as well as the formal aesthetic elements of the work.
Museum and gallery offerings in Baltimore, Washington DC and New York City are utilized to amplify points made in classes. Our own collection of photographs, films and videos also provides students with a unique source of reference material.
Students can choose the Art History and Theory emphasis as either a major or minor option. Students concentrating in art history and theory are strongly encouraged to take more than one studio course. Two years of one language are required. For those who intend to join a graduate program, a second language is recommended. Students work closely with their advisor in developing individualized programs.
LIST OF ART HISTORY COURSES
ART 220 - Art History I - Prehistory through the Medieval period.
Staff This course is offered every semester.
ART 221 - Art History II - Renaissance through the Modern period.
Staff This course is offered every semester.
ART 321 - Nineteenth Century Art.
Professor: Dr.Preminda Jacob. This course is offered every Spring.
ART 323 - Twentieth Century Art.
Professor: Dr.Kathy O'Dell and Professor Preminda Jacob.
Two sections of this course are offered every semester.
ART 423 - Art Since 1945 and the Ideology of the Star System.
Professor: Dr.Kathy O'Dell. This course is offered every Fall.
ART 424 / 624 - Contemporary Art, Theory, and Criticism
[Tu -7:00pm-9:30pm] This course is offered every semester.
In the Spring it is taught by Professor O'Dell, in the Fall Professor Jacob teaches it.
ART 425 / 720A - Writing By and About Artists - Including You.
Professor: Dr.Kathy O'Dell. This course is offered every Fall.
ART 429A - Seminar in Art History & Theory - "Representations of Race & Ethnicity in Contemporary Art."
Professor: Dr.Preminda Jacob. This course is offered in the Spring
ART 429B - Seminar in Art History & Theory - "The Politics of Popular Art and Mass Media Culture."
Professor: Dr.Preminda Jacob. This course is offered in the Spring. It alternates with Art 429A.
ART 492 / 691 - Topics in Art or Media II - "Theory & Practice of the Art Museum"
Professors: Dr.Preminda Jacob & Symmes Gardner, Director of Programs, UMBC Fine Arts Gallery. This course is offered every Spring. [4 credit course]
REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN ART HISTORY
• ART 220 - Art History I
• ART 221 - Art History II
• ART 323 - Twentieth Century Art
• ART 321 - Nineteenth Century Art
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2 ELECTIVES: (a total of 6 credits). At least one of these two courses must be an art history course (that is, Art 423, Art 424, Art 425, Art 429, Art 492, Art 494). The other course can be a history of a medium course (that is, Art 224, Art 225, Art 326, Art 327, Art 342, Art 480); or the student can choose another Art History elective as the second course.
Note: Students taking a minor in Art History must consult with a professor in the Art History area to ensure that the requirements are adequately fulfilled.
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