faculty member describes art in a display case to students gathered around
Study of art in the Allen Memorial Art Museum is part of the art history coursework. Photo credit: Courtesy of Oberlin College
Program Overview

Art History

Program Type: Major, Minor
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Department: Art

Art history at Oberlin offers students the chance to study art from around the world, including Africa and the Black Atlantic, East Asia, Islamic cultures and the West. Coursework helps develop a student’s historical knowledge, visual sensitivity, and expertise, and hone their ability to write analytically and critically.


Program Director

Christina Neilson Associate Professor of Renaissance and Baroque Art History

Contact

Jamie Jacobs Program Coordinator 440-775-8181

Why Study Art History at Oberlin?

Variety of Courses
Special Collections
Study Away Programs

Student Clubs and Organizations

With nearly 200 student groups and clubs from which to choose, you’d be hard pressed not to get involved in something. From photography to faith and identity, and from counseling to sports, Oberlin has an array of clubs open to new and returning students.

Allen Memorial Art Museum

The Allen Memorial Art Museum is a vital cultural and educational resource for Oberlin art students and larger campus community. Students often study important art and collections as part of their coursework. Some become docents and lead museum tours, give talks, and more. The art library on the museum’s top floor is a visual feast for those who love art and the creative process.

Sample Courses

  • ARTS 150 - Approaches to Western Art 4 credits
  • ARTS 299 - Methods of Art History 4 credits
  • ARTS 352 - Coffeehouses and Teahouses: A Global History 4 credits
  • ARTS 481 - Architecture, Art, and Literature in Islamic Cultures 4 credits
Curriculum and requirements

Art History Faculty

Art history faculty members are both scholars and teachers whose focus is on undergraduate education. Their specialties include Africa and the Black Atlantic, East Asia, Islamic culture, medieval art and history, and contemporary art history.

Explore Faculty within Art History

Art History Faculty

Art History News

Museum gallery. Illustration.

‘‘Diving into the Art World’’

June 20, 2019
This episode of An Oberlin Minute spotlights the Practicum in Museum Education winter term, which explores the Allen Memorial Art Museum and familiarizes students with museum education and gallery teaching.
View all Art History news