University Writing

Art History 300--Art Historical Methodology, Research, and Intensive Writing

Coordinator: Char Poulton
Contact information: C-502 HFAC, 763-1163

Course Description:

Art History 300 is intended to introduce students to various art historical methodologies, to provide students the needed skills to research in the field of art history, to help students understand how to prepare and organize various genres of writing within the field of art history, and to teach students how to write clearly and professionally about the visual arts.

Prerequisites:

English 115 or equivalent

Year to be Taken

Sophomore/Junior

Recommended Majors Served

Art

Skills Taught in Support of Academic Training and Vocation

1. Identify purpose and audience for various genres of art historical writing
2. Art history research: finding, evaluating, and effectively using sources
3. Evaluate other students' writing
4. Engage in critical thinking and critical reading about art history

Vocations Prepared for

Art history teachers, museum professionals.

Major Assignments

1. Formal analysis paper
2. Research paper prospectus and 8-page research paper
3. Catalog entry
4. Book review, exhibition review
5. Memos, cover letter, and resume

Sample Textbooks:

1. Sylvan Barnet, A Short Guide to Writing About Art
2. Selected readings associated with traditional art historical methodologies
3. A manual for writers of term papers (e.g. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations)