Art History

The Art History program at Dartmouth College offers students a comprehensive exploration of the visual arts across different cultures and historical periods. This major provides a rigorous curriculum that combines the study of traditional and contemporary artistic practices, emphasizing critical analysis, historical context, and cultural understanding. Students engage in detailed examination of artworks, monuments, and visual culture from ancient to modern times, developing the skills needed to interpret and critique images within their social, political, and religious contexts. The program encourages students to explore a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, and digital media.

Through coursework in European, Asian, African, Middle Eastern, and American art, students gain a global perspective on artistic developments and their influence across civilizations. The curriculum is designed to foster strong research skills, with opportunities to work closely with faculty on original research projects, participate in museum internships, and engage in field trips to notable art sites. Beyond technical and aesthetic appreciation, the program emphasizes critical thinking, writing, and verbal communication, preparing graduates for careers in museums, galleries, conservation, education, or further academic pursuits.

Dartmouth’s close-knit academic community and access to extensive resources, including the Hood Museum of Art, enrich the learning experience. Students are encouraged to analyze the social, political, and cultural roles of art and to consider issues of representation, identity, and power dynamics. The program also offers courses that connect art history with other disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary approaches and innovative perspectives. With personalized advising and a dedicated faculty committed to mentoring, Dartmouth’s Art History program prepares students to become thoughtful, well-informed scholars and practitioners in the field of visual culture.

Requirements for the Major

For the Class of 2015 and later, twelve courses as follows:

Prerequisite: Two courses from ARTH 1 (Bodies and Buildings: Introduction to the History of Art in the Ancient World and the Middle Ages), ARTH 2 (Introduction to the History of Art II), or ARTH 4 (Introduction to World Architecture).

Requirements: 

• one Studio Art course;

• four Art History courses, each from a different area:

Pre-Modern (ancient and medieval art to 1400)

Early-Modern Europe (1400-1850)

Asia and the Middle East

Modern and Contemporary (1850 to the present);

• one advanced seminar in Art History (ARTH 80 through ARTH 84);

• ARTH 85 or ARTH 86, which will serve as the Major Culminating Experience;

• three other Art History courses numbered 10 or higher. (A Classical Studies course [CLST 20, CLST 21, CLST 22, CLST 24, CLST 25, or CLST 26] may be substituted for one of the three other Art History courses.)

N.B.: ARTH 1, ARTH 2, and ARTH 4 may serve only as major prerequisite courses.

Students planning an Art History major must first consult with one of the Department’s designated faculty advisors, complete a Major Worksheet (available outside the Department office) and three major cards, which will be checked by the Department Administrator, and then return to the advisor for final approval and signatures. A copy of the signed major card and the Major Worksheet must be filed with the Art History Department.

Modified Major

Students wishing to declare a modified major must consult with one of the Department’s designated faculty advisors, meet with the Department Administrator, then submit a short description of the proposed modification and a completed Modified Major Worksheet (available outside the Department office). If the proposal is approved by the departmental faculty, a copy of the signed Major Card, Worksheet, and rationale statement must be filed with the Department of Art History. The courses making up a modified major should constitute an intellectually coherent whole. The Department will consider proposals for modifying the Art History major only if they are presented before the end of the student's senior fall term.

Requirements for the Minor

For the Class of 2015 and later, six courses as follows:

Prerequisite: One or two of ARTH 1, ARTH 2, or ARTH 4.

Requirements: Four courses, one in each of four categories:

Pre-Modern (ancient and medieval art to 1400)

Early-Modern Europe (1400-1850)

Asia and the Middle East

Modern and Contemporary (1850 to the present) 

If only one prerequisite is taken, any additional Art History course may be taken as the sixth course. An Art History seminar (ARTH 80-ARTH 84) is not required, but is strongly encouraged. N.B.: ARTH 1, ARTH 2, and ARTH 4 may serve only as prerequisite courses.

Students planning an Art History minor must first consult with one of the Department’s designated faculty advisors, complete a Minor Worksheet (available outside the Department office) and three Minor Cards, which will be checked by the Department Administrator, and then return to the advisor for final approval and signatures. A copy of the signed Minor Card and the Minor Worksheet must be filed with the Art History Department.

1.       SAT Reasoning or ACT (with Writing);

2.       2 SAT Subject Test Scores;

3.       The common application essay;

4.       Within the Common Application, Dartmouth’s writing supplement requires that applicants write a brief response to one of the following supplemental essay prompts. Candidates choose one topic and respond;

5.       A counselor recommendation and two teacher recommendations. In addition, a peer recommendation is strongly encouraged;

6.       Resume;

7.       Brief abstract of an independent research project;

8.       IELTS or TOEFL (no minimum scores)

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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The Art History major at Dartmouth College offers students an in-depth exploration of visual arts from diverse periods and regions, fostering critical analysis and appreciation of artistic expression across history. The program emphasizes the development of interpretive skills, encouraging students to examine artworks within their cultural, social, and geopolitical contexts. Coursework covers a broad range of topics, including ancient art, medieval and Renaissance works, modern and contemporary art, as well as non-Western artistic traditions. Students have opportunities to engage in rigorous research, partake in seminars, and participate in hands-on activities such as museum visits, curatorial projects, and internships. The department promotes interdisciplinary learning, integrating perspectives from history, anthropology, and literature to enrich understanding of art's role in shaping societies. Faculty members are distinguished scholars who mentor students through individual advising and collaborative projects. The program also supports study abroad experiences, allowing students to study art in global cultural centers. Graduates of the Art History major often pursue careers in museums, galleries, conservation, academia, or continue their education in graduate programs. Dartmouth's vibrant academic community and extensive resources contribute to a comprehensive educational experience aimed at cultivating critical thinking, visual literacy, and cultural awareness. The core curriculum includes foundational courses in art theory and history, alongside specialized electives that enable students to tailor their studies to specific interests. Overall, the program prepares students to become informed viewers and analysts of visual culture, equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for a variety of professional paths in the arts and humanities.