Art History, which is devoted to the study of the visual arts, is one of the broadest of the humanistic disciplines. It is concerned not only with the nature of works of art -- their form, style, and content, but also with the social, political, and cultural circumstances that shape them.

The introductory level courses aim at developing in students a lifelong understanding and appreciation of works of art. The rest of the curriculum is geared to preparing majors either for graduate study leading to careers in university teaching and museums, or for positions in the art world, in galleries, publishing, criticism, the visual media, art consultation, conservation, and the like. These courses also provide opportunities for correlated learning to students in other fields.

The department, fortunate in being located in New York City, one of the world's great art centers, takes full advantage of the rich resources of the city's museums and galleries in its course of study.

Director of Visual Arts Concentration
Joan Snitzer jsnitzer@barnard.edu

Department Administrator
Elisabeth Sher esher@barnard.edu

Barnard College
Department of Art History
301 Barnard Hall
3009 Broadway
New York, New York 10027
phone: 212-854-2118
fax: 212-854-8442
general email: esher@barnard.edu
Office Hours: M-F 9-5pm

Art History News and Events

Attention All Juniors Art History Majors:
There will be a very important mandatory meeting for all rising BC Art History Seniors this coming Tuesday, May 6th at 3:30pm in 302 Barnard Hall. Please make every effort to attend this meeting as important information regarding your Senior Thesis will be discussed.

NEW FALL 2008 COURSES:
(please see individual faculty pages for more info)

Undergraduate Seminar:
Jonathan Reynolds: Japanese Prints:
Images of Japan's Floating World

Graduate Seminar:
Keith Moxey: The Iconic Turn

An up to date listing of all Fall 2008 Art History courses (day/time/location) is available
by going to the online pencil book: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/bulletin/uwb/.