Art History

The Millsaps Art History program enriches understanding of the art of Western Civilization's heritage by setting it within its broader social and cultural context and by seriously considering the variety of alternatives and responses to the Western tradition. Even within period courses, thematic issues of content, patronage, and stylistic vocabulary help to unify art history studies in the history of art. Students explore artistic meaning through responsive as well as analytical discussion and writing, and learn to trust and strengthen their own judgment as they acquire an understanding of the vocabulary and methods of the discipline.

What our students tell us:

"From art I've gained a more complete sense of history, sociology, anthropology, psychology, science, politics, etc. Art at Millsaps has truly helped me to bridge all the disciplines, and isn't that what a liberal arts education is all about?"

"Art is like a modern-day time machine, to transport us to past cultures... Besides, who wants to go to a museum in Europe and not appreciate what you see? Not me!"

"I believe that a good education isn't complete without some understanding of art, and the art history and studio classes are small at Millsaps and allow the type of interaction between students and professors that's most beneficial."

"Taking art is a great way to better understand history--not just the facts, but the way people lived and how they felt."

Under the guidance of the art faculty and with the advice of the other art history majors, each senior develops a fully researched paper on a particular art historical problem or issue. Students synthesize their educational experiences and gain perspective on major ideas and developments within the discipline by analyzing key works or artists from various periods or topics that form the structure of the art history curriculum. Students also prepare for graduate school or professional advancement by writing a mature, carefully focused paper and presenting that paper to an audience. They have the experience of thinking and writing about larger, overarching, interconnected themes and issues in the history of art on the written comprehensive.

Life After Millsaps

An art history major builds upon and strengthens the key skills of critical thinking and oral, written, and visual communication introduced in the Millsaps Core Curriculum. Enhanced by the senior project experience, it can serve well as preparation for professional school programs such as law, medicine, and business administration. Representatives from these professions have repeatedly emphasized the value of undergraduate majors in the humanities as a life-long resource for careers in their fields.
It can also lead directly to careers in gallery and museum administration, advertising, journalism, publishing, historic preservation, or art conservation, among others. Graduate work opens up further opportunities, including college teaching, higher positions in the curatorial, educational, and administrative departments of museums, gallery administration, art appraisal, and art criticism.

For more information visit the Art History Department Website.

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