Art History at the

University of Chicago

PRISM

The Department of Art History offers undergraduate programs in the history and theory of art. Students explore visual arts in major periods of European, Near Eastern, Asian, African, and American civilizations, guided by faculty
whose specializations range from the ancient world to modern cinema.

An Art History graduate student preceptor, the Departments Director of

Undergraduate Studies, and a college advisor make up the team that students
can turn to for support as they navigate the College and beyond.

Our courses emphasize diverse approaches to analyzing the varied materials of visual culture. Intro to Art develops basic skills in the analysis and critical
enjoyment of a wide range of art. Survey courses discuss major works of art
and architecture in the context of time, geography, and culture. Art-in-context
courses provide an in-depth introduction to an issue or period of art while
delving into issues of creativity, communication, and value through case studies.

The Smart Lecture Series

Outside the classroom, we bring art historians, art critics, and artists to campus
for lectures throughout the year; PRISM provides programming and career services to majors; and the University and the city of Chicago are home to many
museums and academic resources, further enriching art historical studies in
the Department.

Learn More

PRISM, or Planning Resources & Involvement for Students in the Majors, builds
an intellectual home in the Department for majors through arts-oriented
events and programs, while also helping to prepare majors for the future with
career-planning counseling and resources.

The Smart Lecture Series is an annual series of public lectures sponsored by

the Department. We invite leading art historians and scholars to campus during the year to speak on their latest research in their fields.
All lectures take place in the Cochrane-Woods Art Centers lecture hall, room
157, at 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays.

arthistory.uchicago.edu
arthistory@uchicago.edu
773.702.0278

Cochrane-Woods Art Center

5540 S. Greenwood Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637