The Art History Program in the Department of Visual Studies (DVS) provides students with the opportunity to engage in the academic study of works of art and architecture with award-winning, internationally renowned faculty. Courses span the history of art from the ancient to the contemporary world, and investigate art from Europe, North America and Asia. Students are trained in traditional methods of interpretation as well as newest approaches in the field.
Students will learn to analyze visual objects, considering their form, materials and techniques, meaning and historical and political context. Course requirements ensure that students gain a broad background in three historical periods: ancient and medieval art, renaissance and baroque art, and modern and contemporary art. Students will also take more specialized courses focused on a single theme such as Contemporary South Asian Art, Pilgrimage or the History of Photography. Some upper-level courses focus on student research projects, while others emphasize reading and class discussion.
- Degree options: specialist, major, minor
- Degree requirements: visit the UTM Course Calendar.
- What courses will I take?: Art History students take courses with the prefixes VST, FAH, and VCC. A full listing of these courses can be found by visiting the All DVS Courses page of this website.
Certificate in Curatorial Studies
This certificate, taken in conjunction with a Major or Specialist degree in Art History or Art and Art History, will help prepare students for graduate work in Curatorial Studies or Museum Studies as well as work in the Arts and Culture sector.
Enrolment Requirements:
Limited Enrolment - Students must be in good standing in the Major or Specialist program in either Art History or Art and Art History, and have a minimum CGPA of 2.5.
Completion Requirements:
2.5 credits are required.
- FAH289H5
- FAH310H5
- FAH451H5
- VST410H5
- FAH498H5 or FAH479 or another course in which the study of curating is foregrounded (this course must be approved for certificate credit in advance; see Undergraduate Counsellor)
1.5 credits of these courses may be counted toward both the Certificate and the Art History or Art and Art History Major or Specialist.
POSt Code
Program Area
Possibilities with an Art History Degree
Specialization in this program may lead to curatorial work in galleries, museums or corporations; administrative work in the cultural sector or government; careers in library, archive or collections management; journalism and art criticism; or simply to deeper engagement with, and enjoyment of, art.