Theory, Criticism, and History of Art, Design, and Architecture BFA

The History of Art and Design Department offers a BFA and a BA option for its undergraduate majors. BFA majors take 134 credits, 40 in the history of art and design and 54 in studio art.

Philosophy
Degrees in the Theory, Criticism, and History of Art, Design, and Architecture have been developed with a keen sense of Pratt's history as a technical school. In the context of a school long devoted to the practicing artist, designer, architect, and librarian, the historical perspective is attached to the concrete example, and theory is developed from the specific to the general. In Pratt's School of Art and Design (which relates closely to its School of Architecture), the definition of art history is broad. It includes design history of costumes, interiors, communications, industrial design, photography, film and animation, and urban design and planning, as well as the traditional chronological and geographical divisions of the history of painting, sculpture, architecture, and the graphic arts. These courses have been developed to respond to the needs of the art/design student and have much to offer in training art historians of the future.

BA in Art History
The BA program within History of Art and Design affords a deeper grounding in the philosophy, literature, and criticism of the history of art and design. Students take specifically designed foundation courses, including the art history survey classes. They continue with an additional 42 credits in the History of Art and Design, 57 in Liberal Arts (English, Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences, and Foreign Language), 19 in Studio, and 14 as free electives (132 total credits). Art History majors are strongly advised to take courses in all areas and to have a seminar experience. Undergraduate majors may be admitted to 600–level (graduate) HA and HD courses with the permission of the professor and the chairperson. In general, majors will be advised to select studio electives in a variety of media, including photography.

BFA in Theory, Criticism, and History of Art, Design, and Architecture
BFA majors complete the regular Foundation Program, including the art history survey classes, and can begin to take upper-level electives in their sophomore year. In the required History of Art and Design courses (current listings), the goal is to give students a clear idea of the sequence of styles and major artists, and to develop their ability to discuss style and to understand cultural and social contexts. In-depth study of one epoch or one field of art or design history is covered in upper-level courses. Art History majors take at least one 3 credit history elective within the 10 credit Liberal Arts elective pool (in addition to the CH-300 and CH-400 World Civilization requirement). Students may also benefit from taking a chemistry-in-art class within their six-credit science requirement.

Students entering with an Advanced Placement score of four or five in art history may apply for exemption from the first semester survey and are allowed to substitute an elective in the survey area for second semester of survey. Entering freshman who have done well in a full-year art history survey course (but did not get a four or five score or did not take AP art history) may also apply to the chairperson of the History of Art and Design Department to substitute upper-level electives in each survey area for the required courses.

Mission Statement
The mission of undergraduate studies in the History of Art and Design Department is to provide students with the experience of a curriculum in an institution focused on the convergence of art theory and practice in the rich blending of studio, gallery and classroom. Through comprehensive study of global art and design within historical and cultural contexts and research and scholarship in specialized areas, students develop a critical understanding of the field as well as research and analytical skills. The goal of the undergraduate degree is to prepare students for entering diverse fields in art and cultural institutions or continue their studies at the graduate level. With the required study of art from the Prehistoric era to the contemporary, undergraduate students have a comprehensive background that is the basis for further inquiry at an advanced level.

Learning Outcomes

Undergraduates are competent in a broad range of knowledge in the history of cultures and their art.
Undergraduates understand that the meaning of works of art is tied to changes in social, political, and economic contexts through time.
Undergraduates will be able to demonstrate the necessary writing skills to analytically observe and describe works of art and the research skills to place art in its social context.
Undergraduates in the BFA degree with studio training and experience learn traditional and innovative techniques in the manipulation of materials that generate artistic expression.
Undergraduates will have gained a solid foundation that enables them to successfully apply for study in the discipline at the graduate level.

Curriculum

U2155-Requirements for BFA Th/Cr/Hist of Art/Des/Arch, 2011

Semester 1

Complete these courses.

FDC-143 Drawing I: Figure and General

FDC-157 3-Dimensional Design I

FDC-163 Light/Color/Design I

FDC-180 4-D Design I

HA-115 Survey of Art I

HMS-101A Introduction to Literary and Critical Studies

Semester 2

Complete these courses.

FDC-144 Drawing II: Figure and General

FDC-158 3-D Design II

FDC-164 Light/Color/Design II

FDC-181 4-D Design II

HA-116 Survey of Art II

HMS-103A Introduction to Literary and Critical Studies

Semester 3

Complete these courses plus 6 Art History Elective credits, and 6 Studio Elective credits.

HA-215 Survey of Art: Nineteenth Century

CH-300 World Civilizations I

Semester 4

Complete these courses plus 6 Art History elective credits, and 6 Studio Elective credits.

HA-216 Survey of Art: Twentieth Century Art

CH-400 World Civilizations II

Semester 5

Complete these courses plus 2 Art History Elective credits, 3 Liberal Arts Elective credits, and 6 Studio Elective credits.

HA-402 Art Historical Theory and Methodology

COMPLETE 3 CREDITS OF SOCIAL SCIENCE OR
PHILOSOPHY

Semester 6

Complete these courses plus 2 Art History Elective credits, 3 Liberal Arts Elective credits, 4 Studio Elective credits, and 2 All Institute Elective credits.

SCI-490 Special Topics

COMPLETE 3 CREDITS OF MATH OR
SCIENCE