Art History (ARTH)
Subject-area course lists indicate courses currently active for offering at the University of Louisville. Not all courses are scheduled in any given academic term. For class offerings in a specific semester, refer to the Schedule of Classes.
500-level courses generally are included in both the undergraduate- and graduate-level course listings; however, specific course/section offerings may vary between semesters. Students are responsible for ensuring that they enroll in courses that are applicable to their particular academic programs.
Course Fees
Some courses may carry fees beyond the standard tuition costs to cover additional support or materials. Program-, subject- and course-specific fee information can be found on the Office of the Bursar website.
ARTH 501. Advanced History of Graphic Design3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): BFA Graphic Design Candidacy or faculty consent.
Description: Seminar course covering the development of graphic design from 1800 to present. Topics include key movements, technologies, ethics, and general issues relating to design theory and criticism.Cross-listed with DES 501.
Note: Formerly taught as Advanced History and Issues of Graphic Design.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 521. Special Topics in Modern Art3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): One 300-level course in Modern Art or consent of instructor.
Description: Reconstruction and interpretations of modern artistic aspirations through study of sources and documents by artists, critics and historians.May be taken under different subtitles to a maximum of 12 hours.
Note: May be used to satisfy the Period/Area 2 - after-1750 requirement.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 526. Studies in Contemporary Art3 Units
Prerequisite(s): ARTH 320, or ARTH 321, or ARTH 325 or ARTH 326, or permission of the instructor.
Description: An advanced-level seminar on special topics in contemporary art.
Note: May be used to satisfy the Period 2/Area - after-1750 requirement.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 531. Studies in Asian Art3 Units
Prerequisite(s): One 300-level course in Asian Art, or consent of instructor.
Description: Selected topics that examine the development of art and architecture in the context of the social and cultural history of China and Japan.
Note: Cross-listed with AST 531.
Note: May be used to satisfy the Period/Area 3 - Non-Western requirement.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 541. Theories & Methods in the Visual Arts - WR3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
Description: An introduction to various art historical and interdisciplinary theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches that have shaped the understanding, interpretation, and production of visual art and culture in the nineteenth century to the present. The course will explore these theories and methods as specific fields of inquiry through the study of primary texts, secondary or applied texts, artists' writings and artworks.
Note: This course is required for completion of the BA in Art History.
Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 542. Special Topics - WR3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
Description: An examination of one or more specific areas of Art History not covered in the regular course offerings. Content to be indicated in schedule of courses.Satisfaction of curricular requirement determined by individual course content. Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).
Note: May be taken with four different subtitles to a maximum of 12 hours.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 543. Independent Study1-3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade point average of 3.0 overall, and minimum grade point average of 3.5 in the department, and at least 18 semester hours credit in the department, or consent of instructor.
Description: Topic and content to be determined in consultation with instructor.
Note: Satisfaction of curricular requirement determined by individual course content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 547. Introduction to Critical and Curatorial Studies I3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.
Description: An introduction to curatorial practice of the last 30 years. Focusing on the curator's increasingly prominent role in the reception and synthesis of contemporary art, the course explores developments in exhibition design in terms of art production, international exchange, globalization, and critical theory.
Note: Cross-listed with CCS 547.
Note: A student may only receive credit for only one of the courses: ARTH 547, CCS 547, ARTH 647, CCS 647.
Note: Formerly Museum Methods I.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 548. Critical and Curatorial Studies II3 Units
Prerequisite(s): ARTH 547, or CCS 547, or ARTH 647, or CCS 647, or consent of instructor.
Description: This seminar is structured as a curatorial practicum. Students work with the professor to develop and produce an exhibition from the university's print collection. Throughout the semester, weekly readings and presentations focus on contemporary exhibition practice as well as on the theoretical and critical concerns undergirding the student's developing exhibition.
Note: Cross-listed with CCS 548.
Note: A student may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ARTH 548, ARTH 648, CCS 548 and CCS 648.
Note: Formerly taught as Museum Methods II.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 550. Art History Undergraduate Capstone Seminar - CUE, WR3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing and BA candidacy; or faculty consent.
Description: The Art History Program's undergraduate capstone seminar evaluates the ability of our majors to conduct original art historical research, frame their investigations in the form of a scholarly abstract, and present their ideas in a "conference paper" following the conventions appropriate to the discipline.
Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).
Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 571. Studies in Renaissance Art3 Units
Prerequisite(s): One 300-level course in Renaissance art, or consent of instructor.
Description: Study of a major phase of painting or sculpture, fifteenth or sixteenth century, in Italy or Northern Europe, with emphasis on sources and development of style.
Note: May be used to satisfy the Period/Area 1 - Pre-1750 requirement.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 593. Special Topics in Modern Architecture3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): One 300-level course in Modern architecture, or consent of instructor.
Description: Principal forms and theories of urban and building design in relation to social forces in modern Europe and America.May be taken under different subtitles to a maximum of 12 hours.
Note: May be used to satisfy the Period/Area 2 - after-1750 requirement.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 595. Special Topics in American Art3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisite(s): One 300-level course in American art or architecture, or consent of instructor.
Description: Studies in American architecture, city planning, decorative arts, painting, or sculpture, from colonial times to present.May be taken under different subtitles to a maximum of 12 hours.
Note: May be used to satisfy the Period/Area 2 - after-1750 requirement.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 597. Special Topics in Photographic History3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.
Description: The aesthetic development of photography, with emphasis on U.S. photographers and contemporary issues relevant to the medium.May be taken under different subtitles to a maximum of 12 hours.
Note: May be used to satisfy the Period/Area 2 - after-1750 requirement.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 600. Graduate Seminar1 Unit
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail
Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing.
Fee: An additional $75.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Reports, critiques, presentations and discussions on personal research and current topics in visual arts.
Note: Cross-listed with ART 600 and CCS 600.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 621. Special Topics in Modern Art3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.
Description: An advanced-level seminar on special topics in modern art.May be taken under different subtitles to a maximum of 12 hours.
Note: May be used to satisfy the Period 2/Area - after-1750 requirement.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 626. Special Topics in Contemporary Art3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Description: An advanced-level seminar on special topics in contemporary art.May be taken under different subtitles to a maximum of 12 hours.
Note: May be used to satisfy the Period/Area 2 - after-1750 requirement.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 631. Special Topics in Asian Art3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Restricted to graduate students or consent of instructor.
Description: Advanced study on selected topics in Asian art and architecture.May be taken under different subtitles to a maximum of 12 hours.
Note: May be used to satisfy the Period/Area 3 - Non-Western requirement.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 641. Seminar in Art History3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.
Description: Exploration of core problems in iconography, formal analysis, criticism, or historiography.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 642. Theories & Methods in the Visual Arts3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing, or permission of the instructor.
Description: Introduces students to various art historical and interdisciplinary theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches that have shaped the understanding, interpretation, and production of visual art and culture from the nineteenth century to the present. The course will explore these theories and methods as specific fields of inquiry through the study of primary texts, secondary or applied texts, artists' writings and artworks.
Note: This course is required for completion of all graduate degrees in the Department of Fine Arts.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 643. Independent Study1-12 Units
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.
Description: Credit according to achievement.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 644. Independent Study1-12 Units
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.
Description: Credit according to achievement.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 645. Thesis Guidance3 Units
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail
Description: Thesis research/preparation under the guidance of a faculty member.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 646. Thesis Guidance3 Units
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail
Description: Thesis research/preparation under the guidance of a faculty member.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 647. Introduction to Critical and Curatorial Studies I3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.
Description: An introduction to curatorial practice of the last 30 years. Focusing on the curator's increasingly prominent role in the reception and synthesis of contemporary art, the course explores developments in exhibition design in terms of art production, international exchange, globalization, and critical theory.
Note: Cross-listed with CCS 647.
Note: A student may only receive credit for only one of the following courses: ARTH 547, CCS 547, ARTH 647, CCS 647.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 648. Critical and Curatorial Studies II3 Units
Prerequisite(s): ARTH 547, or CCS 547, or ARTH 647, or CCS 647, or consent of instructor.
Description: This seminar is structured as a curatorial practicum. Students work with the professor to develop and produce an exhibition from the university's print collection. Throughout the semester, weekly readings and presentations focus on contemporary exhibition practice as well as on the theoretical and critical concerns undergirding the student's developing exhibition.
Note: Cross-listed with CCS 648.
Note: A student may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ARTH 548, ARTH 648, CCS 548 and CCS 648.
Note: Formerly taught as Museum Methods II.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 671. Special Topics in Renaissance Art3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.
Description: Advanced study on selected topics in art and architecture of the Renaissance.May be taken under different subtitles to a maximum of 12 hours.
Note: May be used to satisfy the Period/Area 1 - Pre-1750 requirement.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 693. Topics in Modern Architecture3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.
Description: Advanced study on selected topics in modern architecture.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 695. Special Topics in American Art3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.
Description: Advanced study on selected topics in American art and architecture.May be taken under different subtitles to a maximum of 12 hours.
Note: May be used to satisfy the Period/Area 2 - after-1750 requirement.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
ARTH 743. Directed Reading for Comprehensive Exams (Major)2-12 Units
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail
Prerequisite(s): Completion of coursework for the PhD. To be taken by doctoral students who have completed all coursework and are preparing for the major comprehensive exam.
Description:
Note: May be repeated up to 12 hours but only 2 hours count towards degree requirements.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
