School of Art History

BFA Program Learning Outcomes

The Art History degree focuses on the development of strong writing, research, analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The curriculum emphasizes the Western tradition, and students analyze artwork in the social, historical and philosophical context of Western culture. Students receive a strong foundational curriculum of fine art studio courses taught within Academy of Art University’s School of Fine Arts.  Graduates will be equipped with both a portfolio of art work and academic research skills, ready to enter the field or continue with graduate level studies.

BFA graduates of the School of Art History will meet the following student performance criteria:

 

• Art Historical Knowledge

  • Demonstrate proficient knowledge of art historical issues through a final written thesis.
  • Intelligently discuss art and architecture from the major Western traditions and the artists that produced them
  • Analyze the stylistic characteristics of Western art and architecture using appropriate terminology
  • Analyze the social, political, historical and religious contexts of Western art and architecture
  • Identify and analyze major styles, techniques and artists from the history of design and/or film and animation

• Art and Design Skills

  • Create a professional portfolio of work within a specialized discipline of fine art
  • Produce proficient technical work in a range of fine art media
  • Demonstrate accomplished drawing skills within their specialty area
  • Demonstrate command of color and compositional choices

• Research and Analysis

  • Research and persuasively analyze an art historical issue and/or theoretical position
  • Apply theoretical and methodological approaches to the interpretation of Western art and architecture

• Communication Skills

  • Clearly express their ideas though reflective writing and researched presentations
  • Speak, read and write on a basic level in a foreign language

• Professional Readiness

  • Demonstrate breadth and depth of accomplishment as an artist/designer through a professional portfolio

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
2. Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
3. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
5. Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
6. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
7. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.

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