Mission Statement

The mission of the Fine Arts program at Indiana University Southeast is to continuously design, build, and implement high quality programs of study in the visual arts and art history that support, integrate, and contribute to the missions of the School of Arts and Letters and the University. The program affirms and nurtures the intellectual and creative spirits of each individual while providing knowledge and structure to promote the appreciation and understanding of art and art history and of their contributions to the cultures and histories of humanity. Each student is encouraged to develop their own unique vision and critical thinking methods, and to come to a greater understanding and appreciation of the diverse responses and contributions of others. Students will explore how and why they work creatively, as well as develop appreciation for art in both a contemporary and historical context.

Art History Learning Goals

• Identify specific styles and artworks
• Describe visual characteristics (that is the Form) of specific styles and artworks.
• Identify the imagery and meaning (the Content) of individual artworks and movements.
• Explain the cultural or historical significance of specific artistic Forms or Content
• Identify significant worldviews, events, or situations that make up the Context of art production for specific periods and/or cultures. Explain how the Context of their creation led to specific artworks and styles.
• Demonstrate how past art has influenced later creation.
• Apply correct art vocabulary.
• Compare similarities and differences between your perspectives and those of the artists, cultures, and times that we study.

General Education Component

Note: This is not a re-statement of the University’s General Education Requirement but a list of specific General Education courses which are also requirements or pre-requisites for course work in the school/minor.

Core Program

The following courses are required for a minor in Art History.  FINA-A 458 Topics in the Ethnographic Arts may be substituted for FINA-A150 Africa, New World and Oceanic Art. FINA-A150 and FINA-A458 may not both be taken for credit.

Academic Standing in Fine Arts History Courses

Students must receive a grade of C or higher in all art history courses. Any course for which the student did not receive a full C must be retaken or considered an elective. In the latter case a different art history course at the same level and category may be substituted for the deficient course.

Specific Requirements for Minor

In addition to FINA-A 101, FINA-A 102, and FINA-A 150, students will choose an additional two courses (6 hours) from the following lists. At least one course must be from a European derived tradition and at least one from an Indigenous tradition.

Students must also complete a 400 level Senior Seminar in Art History: