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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Art History

Art History

Overview

The Art History major is designed to prepare students for further study in the history of art leading to the Bachelor's, Master's, and/or the Ph.D. in Art History. Art Historians with advanced degrees are college instructors, museum and gallery directors, curators, or art critics and can work for public and private collectors.

Degrees Offered

  • A.A.-T. in Art History
  • A.A. in Art History

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Art History

The Art History major is designed to prepare students for further study in the history of art leading to the Bachelor's, Master's, and/or the Ph.D. in Art History. The Art History transfer program provides students the opportunity to complete the lower-division coursework required for four-year programs in art history. This program is for students who plan to transfer to a California State University (CSU). Completion of the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) is required. It is highly recommended that students meet with a counselor because major and general education requirements vary for each college/university. Declared majors will be invited to an orientation with the opportunity to meet with art history faculty for advising.

The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) student completion requirements (as stated in SB1440 law):

(1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
(A) The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC).
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ART 300 Drawing and Composition I 3
Choose one 6 unit cluster:
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
ARTH 304 Ancient Art (3)
and ARTH 306 Medieval Art (3)
ARTH 308 Renaissance Tradition in Art (3)
and ARTH 310 Modern Art (3)
ARTH 484 Ancient Art-Honors (3)
and ARTH 486 Medieval Art-Honors (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ARTH 320 Multicultural Art in America (3)
   or ARTH 324 Art of the Americas (3)
   or ARTH 325 Native American Art History (3)
   or ARTH 328 Survey of African Art (3)
   or ARTH 332 Asian Art (3)
   or ARTH 334 International Contemporary Art (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ART 304 Figure Drawing I (3)
   or ART 320 Design: Fundamentals (3)
   or ART 370 Three Dimensional Design (3)
   or ART 372 Sculpture (3)
   or ART 390 Ceramics (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
Choose a minimum of three units from below that was not chosen above:
ARTH 307 Italian Renaissance Art (3)
   or ARTH 312 Women in Art (3)
   or ARTH 313 History of Western Architecture: Prehistoric to Renaissance (3)
   or ARTH 314 History of Western Architecture: Renaissance to Modern (3)
   or ARTH 318 History of American Art (3)
   or ARTH 320 Multicultural Art in America (3)
   or ARTH 324 Art of the Americas (3)
   or ARTH 325 Native American Art History (3)
   or ARTH 328 Survey of African Art (3)
   or ARTH 332 Asian Art (3)
   or ARTH 334 International Contemporary Art (3)
Total Units: 18

The Associate in Arts in Art History for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • assess and evaluate the contributions of artists throughout history.
  • identify and evaluate works of art or architecture according to their appropriate style and time frame.
  • analyze and critique art and architecture within the context of their functions and meanings.
  • research and assess theoretical information concerning the meanings and purposes of art and architecture.
  • analyze and assess the histories of cultures and civilizations and how art and architecture is a reflection of those histories.

Career Information

Art historians with undergraduate degrees are placed as registrars, preparators, and curatorial staff in art museums and galleries; they are also employed as art critics in mass media publications, such as newspapers and magazines. An advanced degree allows an art historian a wider range of possible career applications, including museum directorships, curators, instructors, preservationists, researchers, and auction house personnel.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Art History

The Art History major is designed to prepare students for further study in the history of art leading to the Bachelor's, Master's, and/or the Ph.D. in Art History. Art Historians with advanced degrees are college instructors, museum and gallery directors, curators, or art critics and work for public and private collectors.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ARTH 301 Introduction to Art History 31
ARTH 304 Ancient Art (3) 3
   or ARTH 484 Ancient Art-Honors (3)
ARTH 306 Medieval Art (3) 3
   or ARTH 486 Medieval Art-Honors (3)
ARTH 308 Renaissance Tradition in Art (3) 3
   or ARTH 487 Renaissance Art-Honors (3)
ARTH 310 Modern Art (3) 3
   or ARTH 488 Modern Art--Honors (3)
ARTH 324 Art of the Americas (3) 3
   or ARTH 325 Native American Art History (3)
   or ARTH 328 Survey of African Art (3)
   or ARTH 332 Asian Art (3)
ART 300 Drawing and Composition I 3
ART 320 Design: Fundamentals (3) 3
   or ART 332 Oil Painting (3)
   or ART 370 Three Dimensional Design (3)
Total Units: 24

1This course should be taken prior to or concurrent with any other Art History course.

The Art History Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See SCC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • assess and evaluate the contributions of artists throughout history.
  • identify and evaluate works of art or architecture according to their appropriate style and time frame.
  • analyze and critique art and architecture within the context of their functions and meanings.
  • research and assess theoretical information concerning the meanings and purposes of art and architecture.
  • analyze and assess the histories of cultures and civilizations and how art and architecture is a reflection of those histories.

Career Information

Art historians with undergraduate degrees are placed as registrars, preparators, and curatorial staff in art museums and galleries; they can also be employed as art critics in mass media publications, such as newspapers and magazines. An advanced degree allows an art historian a wider range of possible career applications, including museum directorships, curators, instructors, preservationists, researchers, and auction house personnel.

Art History (ARTH) Courses

ARTH 300 Art Appreciation

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 301, C1001, or C1003 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • C-ID:C-ID ARTH 100
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course emphasizes the history, sources, techniques, and problems of art and architecture. Material presented includes illustrated lectures, readings, and discussions of the various manifestations of art in cultures throughout the world. This course is recommended as a basis for the understanding of art, including techniques and media; students will develop personal opinions concerning art and architecture and will learn to express those opinions through extensive writing about art. A field trip is required.

ARTH 301 Introduction to Art History

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ENGL 301, C1001, and C1003 with grades of "C" or better
  • Advisory:LIBR 318 or 325 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3B
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces the student to a wide variety of art, including painting, sculpture, architecture, prints, textiles, and crafts; both Western and Non-Western art will be covered. The approach to the subjects is via primary sources in art and architectural history, as well as reading of important authors and scholarship in art history. Students will write research-oriented papers, based on primary research, secondary sources, and their own theories concerning art. A field trip is required.

ARTH 304 Ancient Art

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 301, C1001, or C1003 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • C-ID:C-ID ARTH 110
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to the development of Western art from the Prehistoric era through the late Roman period. Emphasis is on Neolithic, Near Eastern, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures. Comparisons are made with other non-Eurocentric cultures. A field trip is required. Both ARTH 304 and ARTH 306 (Medieval Art History) are required to fulfill C-ID ARTH 110.

ARTH 306 Medieval Art

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 301, C1001, or C1003 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • C-ID:C-ID ARTH 110
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to the origin and development of Medieval art and architecture, including the Early Christian, Byzantine, Celtic, Islamic, Romanesque, and Gothic contributions. Comparisons are made with other traditions. A field trip is required. Both ARTH 304 (Ancient Art History) and ARTH 306 are required to fulfill C-ID ARTH 110.

ARTH 307 Italian Renaissance Art

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 301, C1001, or C1003 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces the visual arts and architecture of Italy in the Early Modern period, from duecento (13th century) through cinquecento (16th century). Topics include the relationship between the visual arts and culture and artists and their works from the periods and styles known as the Proto-Renaissance, Renaissance, High Renaissance, and Mannerism. Connections between Italy and other cultures, including New World civilizations, are also made.

ARTH 308 Renaissance Tradition in Art

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 301, C1001, or C1003 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • C-ID:C-ID ARTH 120
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to art and architecture from circa 1300 to 1750 in Europe. Material covered includes painting, sculpture, architecture, and other media of the Italian Renaissance and Mannerist periods, 15th-Century Flemish art, the art of the Northern Renaissance, and Baroque and Rococo painting, sculpture, architecture, prints, and other media. A field trip is required. Both ARTH 308 and ARTH 310 (Modern Art History) are required to fulfill C-ID ARTH 120.

ARTH 310 Modern Art

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 301, C1001, or C1003 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • C-ID:C-ID ARTH 120; C-ID ARTH 150
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers 18th, 19th, 20th, and early 21st century art forms including painting, sculpture, and architecture in Europe and America. Styles discussed will include Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, and the major movements through Contemporary art. Post-Modern art will also be discussed. A field trip to an art museum or art gallery is required. Both ARTH 308 (The Renaissance Tradition in the Arts) and ARTH 310 are required to fulfill C-ID ARTH 120.

ARTH 312 Women in Art

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 301, C1001, or C1003 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a survey of art made by and for women from the ancient world to the present. Topics include the art of women from both European and non-European cultures. A field trip to a local museum is required.

ARTH 313 History of Western Architecture: Prehistoric to Renaissance

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 301, C1001, or C1003 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course addresses the history of Western architecture from circa 2500 B.C.E. to circa 1500. Subjects covered include prehistoric European architecture and architectural monuments, architecture in the ancient world, which includes the Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures, and the great architecture of the European Romanesque and Gothic traditions. Architecture will be investigated for the ways in which it reflects the philosophical, cultural, and aesthetic expressions of civilizations. A field trip to view local architecture is required.

ARTH 314 History of Western Architecture: Renaissance to Modern

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 301, C1001, or C1003 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course addresses the history of architecture in the Western world from circa 1400 up to the Modernist period, circa 1900. The course covers Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, and 19th century architecture in Europe and America and will focus on the functions and meanings of architecture within Western culture. A field trip to view local architecture is required.

ARTH 318 History of American Art

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 301, C1001, or C1003 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers art in America from circa 1000 to the present day. Lecture topics include Native American art and architecture prior to the arrival of Europeans, Colonial and Early American art and architecture, 19th century landscape, portraiture, and history paintings, and the rise of American art centers in the 20th century. The course emphasizes the variety of cultures in America, the breadth of American social ideals, and their expressions in art and architecture. A field trip to an art museum is required.

ARTH 320 Multicultural Art in America

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 301, C1001, or C1003 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to the variety and diversity of important, but often underrepresented, cultures in America. The course is a survey of art forms and the contributions made by the ethnically diverse peoples who make up and contribute to the culture and character of the United States. To emphasize cultural diversity, instruction will include guest lectures by multicultural artists, as well as a required field trip.

ARTH 324 Art of the Americas

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL C1001, ENGL C1003, LIBR 318, or LIBR 325 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • C-ID:C-ID ARTH 145
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course includes the study of the indigenous arts and artists of the Americas. Emphasis is on the Pre-Contact peoples of Mesoamerica and South America, such as the Aztec, Maya, and Inca cultures, and their contributions to colonial and modern art forms. A field trip is required.

ARTH 325 Native American Art History

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 301, C1001, or C1003 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A; Cal-GETC Area 3B
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to the art and culture of Native American peoples. It will include the native peoples of the Arctic and Subarctic regions, the Northwest Coast, the Eastern Woodlands, including the Iroquois Confederacy, the Plains, the Southwest, and California. Contemporary Native American art will also be discussed. Comparisons between individual Native American cultures will be drawn, as well as comparisons between Native and Eurocentric cultures. A field trip to a local museum or Native American cultural event is required.

ARTH 328 Survey of African Art

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 301, C1001, or C1003 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to African art in terms of its cultural and philosophical background, its materials and techniques, and its impact on the art of other regions of the world. One field trip is required.

ARTH 332 Asian Art

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 301, C1001, or C1003 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • C-ID:C-ID ARTH 130
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introductory survey of the arts of East, South, and Southeast Asia, including India, China, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia. It features discussion of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other significant art forms from Neolithic to modern times. The contributions of Asian art to Western aesthetics are discussed, and comparisons are also made between individual Eastern cultures and other non-Western cultures.

ARTH 334 International Contemporary Art

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ARTH 300 or 310 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Advisory:ENGL 301, C1001, or C1003 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a survey of worldwide trends in art and architecture since 1980, with an emphasis on the diversity of contemporary global cultures. New art media, such as video, digital, and performance art are highlighted. Social and political concerns in art are another primary focus. A field trip is required.

ARTH 410 Early 20th Century Art

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ARTH 310, ENGL 301, ENGL C1001, or ENGL C1003 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers art and architecture in the first half of the 20th century in Europe and the United States. Styles covered will include Fauvism, Expressionism, Cubism, Futurism and others. Additional lectures will cover American art between the wars, as well as the art produced in the United States during the Great Depression.

ARTH 420 History of Photography

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 301, C1001, or C1003 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces students to the history of photography, focusing on work of the 20th century. Early photographers in the 19th century are also studied, as well as 21st century trends. The cultural impact of photography on society and the influence of photography on other visual media are also discussed.

ARTH 484 Ancient Art-Honors

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 301, C1001, or C1003; Honors courses are open to students who demonstrate an ability to write carefully reasoned, well-organized essays of varying lengths, are prepared to make clear oral presentations in class, and are able to actively contribute to seminar discussions.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A; Cal-GETC Area 3B
  • C-ID:C-ID ARTH 110
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to the development of western art from the Prehistoric era through the Roman period. Emphasis is on ancient Near Eastern, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures. Comparisons are made with other cultures. Students will write a minimum of 6,000 words, including at least two art historical analyses and one research paper. Credit may be earned for ARTH 304 or ARTH 484 but not for both.

ARTH 486 Medieval Art-Honors

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 301, C1001, or C1003; Honors courses are open to students who demonstrate an ability to write carefully reasoned, well-organized essays of varying lengths, are prepared to make clear oral presentations in class, and are able to actively contribute to seminar discussions.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • C-ID:C-ID ARTH 110
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to the origin and development of Medieval art and architecture, including the Early Christian, Byzantine, Celtic, Islamic, Romanesque, and Gothic styles. A field trip is required. Comparisons are made with other traditions. Students give at least one oral presentation and write a minimum of 6,000 words, including at least two art historical analyses and one research paper. Credit may be earned for ARTH 306 or ARTH 486 but not for both.

ARTH 487 Renaissance Art-Honors

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 301, C1001, or C1003; Honors courses are open to students who demonstrate an ability to write carefully reasoned, well-organized essays of varying lengths, are prepared to make clear oral presentations in class, and are able to actively contribute to seminar discussions.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to the development of realism and illusionism in Western art from its roots in the Greco-Roman world to its flowering in the 15th and 16th Centuries in Europe. Mannerist, Baroque, and Rococo styles are also covered. Comparisons are also made with other traditions. Students give at least one oral presentation and write a minimum of 6,000 words, including at least two art historical analyses and one research paper. Credit may be earned for ARTH 308 or ARTH 487 but not for both.

ARTH 488 Modern Art--Honors

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 301, C1001, or C1003; Honors courses are open to students who demonstrate an ability to write carefully reasoned, well-organized essays of varying lengths, are prepared to make clear oral presentations in class, and are able to actively contribute to seminar discussions.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers 19th and 20th century art forms including painting, sculpture, and architecture in Europe and America. Styles discussed will include Impressionism, Expressionism, Cubism, and Abstract Expressionism. Emphasis is on 20th century art to 1980. A field trip to an art museum or art gallery is required. Students give at least one oral presentation and write a minimum of 6,000 words, including at least two art historical analyses and one research paper. Credit may be earned for ARTH 310 or ARTH 488 but not for both.

ARTH 494 Topics in Art History

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Hours:9 - 72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is designed to give students an opportunity to study topics in art history not included in current course offerings. UC transfer credit will be awarded only after the course has been evaluated by the enrolling UC campus. The units completed for this course cannot be counted towards the minimum 60 units required for admissions.

ARTH 495 Independent Studies in Art History

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course involves an individual student or small groups of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses, pursuant to an agreement among college, faculty members, and students. Independent Studies in Art History offers students a chance to do research that is more typical of students in advanced art history courses. UC transfer credit will be awarded only after the course has been evaluated by the enrolling UC campus. The units completed for this course cannot be counted towards the minimum 60 units required for admissions.

ARTH 499 Experimental Offering in Art History

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog