Art History

The Art History program offers an undergraduate major concentration in the Visual Arts Program for students pursuing a B.A. in Fine Arts.

Courses taught as part of the art history major take a systematic approach to the study of art by focusing on a range of historical periods, cultures, nationalities, and media, as well as examining methods of study and problems of interpretation and criticism.

Students enrolled in art history classes at Morgan discover how art objects are not simply interesting relics from the past, but embody living ideas with which to grapple and from which to learn.

Moreover, because art history is a correlating discipline within the humanities, one that involves intensive research and writing experience, the art history program at Morgan prepares students for pursuing careers in related fields, such as film, design, teaching, law, journalism and more.

(image courtesy of the James E. Lewis Museum of Art located at Morgan State University)

Through the study of art history, students learn how to contend with the institutional and social structures that govern artistic practice, whether they are:

• producing works of art,
• curating exhibitions,
• teaching,
• publishing books, catalogs and journals,
• directing a museum,
• overseeing a conservation lab,
• owning a gallery,
• organizing an art festival or biennale,
• running a community art center, or
• managing a foundation

B.A. DEGREE IN FINE ART REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of 120 credit hours are required to graduate with a B.A. in Fine Art.

These credit hours are distributed as follows:

• General Education and University Requirements - 43 credits
• Liberal Arts Core Requirements - 6 credits
• Required Core Courses for the Fine Arts Major - 30 credits
• Required Courses for the Fine Art Track - 41 credits

TOTAL: 120 CREDITS

Art History majors are also required to:

1. Enroll in World History courses
2. Pass the Senior Research Project 
3. Successfully complete all of their junior and senior-level requirements in the major at Morgan (unless granted prior written permission by the Dean to take courses elsewhere)
4. Earn a cumulative average of 2.0 or better and a major average of 2.0 or better, with no outstanding grades below "C" in the major (which includes all courses required for the major and required supporting courses).

COURSES OFFERINGS INCLUDE

History of Photography: ART 272 - This course studies world photography from the early 19th century to the present. The course covers discoveries in science and art and their influence on art media, cinematography, video, the graphic arts and interdisciplinary expression.

American Art: ART 309 -  This course examines the major artistic developments that occurred in the United States from 1700-1950. Among the topics considered are art and nationalis, art and abolition, race and representation, and imperialism and modernism. Particular attention will be give to the influence of African, as well as European art on the evolution of art in America.

Traditional and Contemporary Arts of Africa: ART 310 - This study will embrace its history from the West African Nok culture through contemporary times. The arts and crafts range widely through media from earth to flesh.

Introduction to Modern Art: ART 402 - A study will be made of the development of "Modern Art" as a western culture pattern infused with African and Asian aesthetics.

VIEW ALL REQUIRED COURSES

UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS & INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Through Morgan's strategic partnership with the Walters Art Museum, as well as our relationship with the Baltimore Museum of Art, students are eligible for volunteer and internship opportunities at these and area institutions, including the:

• Maryland Historical Society,
• Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African American History and Culture,
• National Gallery of Art,
• Smithsonian American Art Museum,
• National Portrait Gallery, 
• National Museum of African American History and Culture, and more....

ART HISTORY STUDENTS WILL GAIN

1. An appreciation of aesthetics, as well as the rich and diverse history and culture of various civilizations-knowledge that is critical for functioning a globalized world
2. Visual literacy in an image-driven society
3. Skills to craft and evaluate arguments
4. Ability to identify problems and find solutions
5. Leadership skills to manage complex projects and more...

TIPS FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

1. Do Your Research
Discover the world of art by introducing yourself to past and present pioneers of visual arts in the Americas, Africa, and beyond.

2. Explore
Learn what your arts interests are whether it be a specific time period or style.

3. Invest in Your Craft
Be prepared to invest time and money for materials in your study of art. 

4. Get Connected
Join our email list to attend upcoming info sessions and meet faculty. SIGN UP!

FAMOUS ART HISTORY MAJORS

Art historians are found in a variety of complementary professions, including business, fashion, journalism, and politics to name a few..

• Steve Ells, Co-CEO of Chipotle
• Abigail Johnson, President and CEO of Fidelity Investments
• Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge
• Gwyneth Paltrow, actress, singer, and food writer

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS FOR ART HISTORY MAJORS

College Art Association (CAA)
Provides information about internships, conferences, jobs, artist residencies, fellowships, and graduate schools

American Alliance of Museums (AAM)
Information about jobs, internships, museum advocacy, and diversity in the field.

Society for History and Graphics (SHAG)

Association of Art Historians (AAH)

Association of Historians of American Art (AHAA)