Study of art in the Allen Memorial Art Museum is part of the art history coursework. Photo credit: Courtesy of Oberlin College
College of Arts and Sciences

Art History

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

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

Erik Inglis

Professor of Medieval Art History
Department Affiliation
Art
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 356 - Monks, Miracles, and Magic: Buddhist Art in East Asia 4 credits
  • ARTS 387 - Architecture, Media, and Production 4 credits
View course catalog for requirements

Art History News

Sudent with book dispay

Turning a Passion Into a Career

October 23, 2017
Nolan Boomer ’16 cultivated a passion for book arts, curatorial practices, and architectural history, giving him the tools to pursue a self-curated career in the arts.

The Art of Library Work

April 12, 2017
Anna Feuer ’14 currently works as the senior acquisitions assistant in the Technical Services department at the Art Institute of Chicago, the largest art museum in the country.

Creating Space to Curate

March 29, 2017
Exhibition Initiative, Oberlin’s student-run curatorial organization, gives students from all disciplines the opportunity to curate art exhibitions featuring work created by their peers.
View all Art History news

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