John Cabot University: the Academic Experience

Minor in Art History in Rome

Overview

Art History is inherently interdisciplinary: it draws on aspects like social history, media studies, history, philosophy, creative arts practices, and political and economic theories. It questions and explores how art and culture engage and shape the world, and how viewing is itself a creative act. In our contemporary world where image and design drive all aspects of public engagement, the ability to understand how art and visual media work is fundamental for 21st-century citizens and professionals.  

The minor will help students develop professional and academic skills in visual and contextual analysis, effective writing and presentation, and, not the least: creative thinking. 

  • It enriches majors in Marketing, International Affairs, Italian Studies, and Political Science by deepening skills of analytical and contextual thinking, as well as engaging with non-verbal cultural and visual narratives - ideal for careers in international institutions, NGOs, marketing, and new media.
  • It complements majors in Communication, History, Classical Studies, Humanistic Studies, and English Literature by furthering abilities for handling composite methodologies and sources, and providing a rigorous base for analysis of visual media - ideal for careers in visual and social media, journalism, publishing, and research.
  • It adds to majors in Business Administration and International Business, Economics, and Finance by providing an interdisciplinary approach to the humanities: refining intellectual, analytical skills, and abilities for exchange of ideas and creative solution strategies - fundamental for leadership and management roles.
 
  • Ability to engage with creative thinking / creative practice within a clear understanding of methodological approaches
  • Ability to engage with the impact of visual media as well as the reaction to these (agency, construction, presentation, reception, viewing); experience of first-hand, direct study of art-works
  • Ability to discuss art and image-based media effectively and to construct academic arguments in speech, writing and research
  • Ability to handle diverse and interdisciplinary sources; awareness of how skill-sets gained fit with professional and career opportunities

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINOR (AS OF FALL 2019)

1. Six courses with the prefix AH, of which

    a) a maximum of two courses may be at 100-level

    b) a minimum of one course must be a 300-level or higher AH course

2. One AH course may be substituted with a course in ARCH or AS  

The minor should seek to chart a coherent path through the courses in Art History. It should engage either with the breadth of the academic field or with an ‘area concentration’ within it. 

It is highly recommended that the student consults with Faculty Advisors in the Department of Art History and Studio Art for guidance on direction, content, and opportunities of the minor. 

 Six courses with the AH or ARCH prefix with the following requirements:
  • One course in each of the four areas (Ancient, Medieval, Early Modern, Modern/Contemporary)
  • At least two 300 level or higher courses

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL MINORS 

  • No more than one grade of lower than a C- will be accepted in courses applying to the minor.
  • In the case of multiple minors, no course may apply to more than one minor.
  • No more than three classes may apply to both the major and minor.
  • At least four courses must be taken in residence at John Cabot.
  • Requirements for the minor must be completed by the time of graduation.