The Art and Architectural History curriculum provides student majors, minors, and core concentrators with a comprehensive background for understanding both the visual arts and architecture in relation to society, culture, and history.  The program employs a multidisciplinary approach to visual culture and the built environment, drawing from the programs within the School of Architecture, Art, and Historic Preservation as well as from subject areas of anthropology, psychology, philosophy, and cultural studies.  The synergy between these disciplines promotes awareness of the interconnectedness of the arts and of the close connection of materials and process with meaning.

The Art and Architectural History program provides an opportunity for students to study the philosophical, aesthetic, and social meanings of many kinds of spatial and visual cultural products throughout history and to develop the intellectual tools necessary to engage in analytical and critical study of works of art and architecture.  The program prepares students for future study within the field.

The understanding of the "why" of the arts, a crucial foundation for the creative process and the preservation of artifacts, is pursued through these several distinct disciplinary lenses. The unique and particular strength of the program is this interdisciplinary focus.

The degree program makes use of the rich museum and gallery environment of the region for course work as well as for student internships. Art and Architectural History courses offered through the Roger Williams University Florence, Italy study abroad program are an exciting and valuable option in completing the major. Students majoring in Art and Architectural History are also encouraged to take those courses relevant to the history of cultures which are offered in the Feinstein College of Arts and Sciences.

The Art and Architectural History major is complementary to others offered in the School. Compact major requirements also allow students to easily complete a double major in any number of liberal arts fields, or certification program in Elementary or Secondary Education. The program prepares students for graduate study in Art and Architectural History, Museum Studies, Education, and careers in teaching, museum work, art conservation or the commercial art world.

Sara Butler
Coordinator
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