Art History Major

Program Director: Timothy McCall, Ph.D.
Office Location: Saint Augustine Center, Room 403
Telephone: (610) 519-3897

About

The Art History Program at Villanova provides students with the knowledge and skills to interpret and critically evaluate art – and its production, reception, and materiality – from the perspectives of different societies across time. We encourage students to investigate art not only as cultural artifacts that record and reflect particular aspects of the human experience, but also as a dynamic force that has shaped complex interactions of social, political, and economic processes both in the past and the present.

In harmony with the university’s Augustinian mission and unique identity, the Art History Program emphasizes the benefits of a broader, liberal arts education. More particularly, art history students can expect to leave Villanova as sophisticated viewers and critical consumers of the visual imagery that surrounds us.

PRIMARY MAJOR (122 credits)

Required Major Courses (33 credits)

The Art History major consists of 33 credits.

Course
Title
Credits
Upper-Level AAH Elective  +
3
Sub-Total Credits
33-34

Core Curriculum Requirements (41 credits)

Art History Majors meet the following core requirements in the major and therefore are omitted from the summary below: 

  • Fine Arts (3 cr)
Course
Title
Credits
Mathematics or Statistics (1 course)  +
3
Natural Science (2 courses with laboratory)  +
8
Literature and Writing Seminar (1 course)  +
3
History (1 course)   +
3
Social Sciences (2 courses)  +
6
Upper-Level Theology (1 course)  +
3
Language Requirement (Proficiency)  +
Diversity Requirement (2 courses)  +
Sub-Total Credits
41

Free Elective Requirement (48 credits)

Students with a Art History primary major have forty-eight (48) required free elective credits. 

Degree Credit Summary

  • Major Credits: 33 credits
  • Core Credits: 41 credits
  • Free Electives Credits: 48 credits
  • Total Required Credits: 122 Credits

Note: The above credit totals are based on the minimum number of required credits in each degree area. The minimum number of required credits in each area listed above must be met. Credits taken beyond the required minimum for one area may not be applied to another area. 

SECONDARY MAJOR

Students who declare Art History as a secondary major must complete the Required Major Courses to achieve this major. Students are able to count any eligible course taken in their primary major, the core curriculum, minors, concentrations, or free electives toward these requirements. 

Total Credits:
74-75

 

Disclaimer:
The above program requirements are applicable to students entering Fall 2023 and beyond. Please consult the appropriate archived handbook available on the homepage for years prior to these requirements. In order that programs offered by Villanova University reflect current advances and additions to knowledge and upgraded professional requirements, Villanova University reserves the right to change programs and requirements without prior notice. Students generally are bound to the requirements in effect and published online for the year in which their class begins its first year of study. Special requirements may be in effect for students who have left the University and are being readmitted. Students are advised to check with the web catalog or with their college offices regarding changes that may affect them. Additional academic information may be obtained from the various college offices and the web sites listed for the particular policies, programs and services found in this catalog. 

Overview

Program

Type

Bachelor of Arts

Curriculum Guide

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