Course General Description

The history of art focuses upon the study of works of fine and applied arts and forms of mass communication in their aesthetic, social, economic, religious and political contexts. It explores the meanings and purposes of the visual arts, their historical development, their role in society, and their relationships to other disciplines. The study of art history encourages the development of critical observation and visual analysis; it introduces scholarly research and provides a working knowledge of a variety of monuments. As the field of art history is inherently cross-cultural and interdisciplinary, its study illuminates the diverse and global world we inhabit and makes apparent the integral relationships between art and culture. The Art History Major is based on a thorough curriculum in the history of art and is very flexible to enable students to tailor their coursework to fit their personal career aspirations. The program incorporates Drexel's nationally known co-op experience through which students, while pursuing their degree, can work for six months in relevant professional contexts such as museums, galleries, auction houses, and publishers. The goal of the Art History major is to provide an excellent interdisciplinary liberal arts education with a sound foundation in the history of visual arts and a strong competence in writing, research and critical thinking. The major will foster a hands-on approach, and will involve students in the close study of art objects from many museums in Philadelphia and from our own Drexel collection of art and artifacts, the well-known Fox Historic Costume Collection, and the rotating exhibitions in the Leonard Pearlstein Gallery.

School General Description

Drexel is a comprehensive global research university with a unique model of experiential learning that combines academic rigor with one of the nation’s premier cooperative education programs. Drexel has built its global reputation on core achievements that include: Leadership in experiential learning through Drexel Co-op. A history of academic technology firsts. Recognition as a model of best practices in translational, use-inspired research. Founded in 1891 in Philadelphia, Drexel now engages with students and communities around the world via: Three Philadelphia campuses and other regional sites. The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, the nation’s oldest major natural science museum and research organization. International research partnerships including China and Israel. Drexel Online, one of the oldest and most successful providers of online degree programs. Drexel is one of Philadelphia's top 10 private employers, and a major engine for economic development in the region. Drexel has committed to being the nation’s most civically engaged university, with community partnerships integrated into every aspect of service and academics. Drexel’s ongoing strategic plan, "Transforming the Modern Urban University," guides the University's 21st-century trajectory.