Art History

Art History

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What is Art History?ART HISTORY is the study of visual culture through the history of civilization. Art objects and architecture are seen as historical documents that most often reveal, but sometimes challenge, the ideals and values of an age. The role of art history is to answer complex questions about the ever-changing political, religious, social, and economic context in which artistic production takes place. You will learn to use a variety of theories and approaches to explore not only individual artists and cultural periods, but pervasive themes in art and even the notion of "art" itself. Apart from the depth of understanding you will gain from a discussion of art through the centuries and across the globe, you will develop analytical skills and a visual literacy that will help you understand our own time more fully.


Art History is a useful corollary to other disciplines within the university including Cultural Anthropology, Education, Film Studies, History, Information Design, Interior Design, Religious Studies, and Women's Studies.

Graduates with a minor in Art History will find many opportunities, some may use their undergraduate degree to pursue a graduate degree and possible careers with museums and galleries as curator, art dealer, or educator. Some will find the exceptional analytical skills, global cultural awareness, and visual literacy they have gained to be highly valued by a diverse array of institutions and organizations.

The dynamic, growing city of Calgary, Alberta is quickly becoming a mature cultural centre and boasts a diverse collection of galleries, museum, publc and private collections, and a sophisticated cultural infrastructure.

In recognition for its accomplishments, Calgary was named 2012 Cultural Capital of Canada by the Federal Government of Canada.