Dean: Dr. Dan Rivas
Academic Chair: Gregory Bishopp, Professor
Program Director: Dr. Lisa Davis Allen, Assistant Professor
Faculty: Gregory Bishopp, Dr. Lisa Davis Allen, Patricia Drew, Dr. Roger Von Dippe

CURRICULUM

The curriculum includes courses in art theory, appreciation, history, methodology and museum studies. All courses are designed to incorporate necessary components required in the academic development of a comprehensive art historical and methodological understanding. Art historical topics address the western canon from antiquity to the post-modern world, as well as Africa, Oceania, Asia, and the Americas. Most courses offered in the art history curriculum meet general education requirements, and may also be taken to satisfy requirements for the Associate in Arts degree in Art History.

MAJOR
Students majoring in art history at the lower-division level are provided with a rigorous and rich foundation in the history of art, critically examining the importance of artistic traditions in the study of human cultures. Through a variety of historical periods, students learn to identify, analyze, and interpret works of art and architecture as they reflect not only individual achievement, but also the political, social, religious and economic interests of the society from which they emerge. Students may enroll in the art history program to prepare for transfer into an upper-division program in art history.

DEGREE OPTION
Associate in Arts Degree in Art History
Students must complete a minimum of 60 units of credit, including the courses in the major (See “Major Requirements” in Degree Program web page) and general education requirements, with an overall GPA of 2.0 or better. A minimum of 12 units must be completed at Irvine Valley College.

TRANSFER PREPARATION
Courses that fulfill major requirements for an associate degree at Irvine Valley College may not be the same as those required for completing the major at a transfer institution offering a baccalaureate degree. Students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university should (1) refer to the University “Transfer Planning”; (2) consult the catalogue of their prospective transfer institution; and (3) schedule an appointment with an IVC counselor to develop a plan of study before beginning their program. It may be helpful to meet with the department faculty at IVC.

CAREER OPTIONS
Majors in Art History are afforded opportunities in a number of art-related fields ranging from education to business. Careers in Art History include but are not limited to: art educator, gallery director, museum curator, conservator, art publisher or critic, appraiser or investor, lobbyist or organizer, legal professional, artist representative, or art consultant (see "Careers" webpage).