student docent leads a group of people our tour of gallery in art museum.
A student docent leads a tour in the Allen Memorial Art Museum as part of the art history program. Photo credit: Scott Shaw
Program Overview

Art History

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

Art history at Oberlin offers majors the chance to study art from around the world, including Africa and the Black Atlantic, East Asia, Islamic cultures and the West. Coursework will broaden an art history major’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?

illustration of a blue book that is open.
Variety of Courses
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Special Collections
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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 is a vital cultural and educational resource for art majors and the campus community. Students study important art and collections as part of their coursework. Some become docents, 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 353 - Paintings, Portraits, and Prints: Arabic and Persian Book Arts 4 credits
  • ARTS 471 - Accessibility & Disability in Contemporary Art 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