Art History

The Art History program at Mount Allison University offers students an comprehensive exploration of the visual arts across different periods, cultures, and regions. Designed for those passionate about understanding and analyzing artworks, the program combines rigorous academic coursework with opportunities for critical thinking and research. Students will examine a wide array of artistic traditions, from ancient civilizations to contemporary practices, gaining insight into the historical, cultural, and social contexts that shaped each period. The curriculum emphasizes developing skills in visual analysis, historical interpretation, and scholarly writing, preparing graduates for careers or further studies in museums, galleries, education, arts administration, or research. In addition to coursework, students have access to exceptional faculty expertise, collections, and facilities that support a multidisciplinary approach to art history. The program encourages active engagement through seminars, research projects, and potential internships, fostering a deeper understanding of both classical and modern artworks. Mount Allison’s vibrant campus community and partnerships with cultural institutions provide practical and immersive experiences that enrich academic learning. Graduates of the Art History program leave equipped with a comprehensive understanding of art’s role in society and equipped with the analytical tools necessary to critically assess visual culture. With a curriculum designed to cultivate both historical knowledge and interpretative skills, the program aims to prepare students for meaningful careers in the arts and humanities or for further academic pursuits.

Program Overview:
The Bachelor of Arts in Art History at Mount Allison University offers students an in-depth exploration of the visual arts across different periods, cultures, and regions. This program is designed to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of art from ancient times to contemporary practices, emphasizing critical analysis, historical context, and aesthetic appreciation. Students will engage with a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, architecture, and other visual media, gaining skills in visual analysis, scholarly research, and effective communication.

Curriculum and Courses:
The Art History program features a balanced mix of lecture courses, seminars, and hands-on experiences. Core courses cover topics such as Western art history, non-Western art traditions, modern and contemporary art, and specialized areas like Renaissance art or contemporary visual culture. Students also have opportunities to explore related fields including archaeology, museum studies, and cultural heritage. Electives enable students to tailor their studies to specific interests, from Asian art to Indigenous art forms, ensuring a broad and inclusive perspective.

Research Opportunities and Practical Experience:
Students are encouraged to participate in research projects, art exhibitions, and internships at local museums and galleries. These experiences provide practical skills in curation, collections management, and art conservation. Mount Allison’s supportive faculty members mentor students through individual research, culminating in a major research paper or project. The program fosters critical thinking, visual literacy, and an understanding of the social, political, and cultural significance of art throughout history.

Career Paths:
Graduates of the Art History program are well-prepared for careers in museums, galleries, cultural institutions, education, and arts administration. The program also provides a solid foundation for graduate studies in art history, archaeology, conservation, and related fields. Strong research, communication, and analytical skills acquired through this program are valuable in numerous sectors, including media, publishing, and cultural policy.

Facilities and Resources:
Students benefit from access to Mount Allison’s library collections, digital archives, and research labs. The university’s active arts community and connections with regional arts organizations create extracurricular opportunities to deepen engagement with the arts scene. The program is committed to fostering a vibrant intellectual environment and promoting an appreciation for global artistic heritage.

The Bachelor of Arts in Art History at Mount Allison University requires students to complete a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide a broad understanding of the visual arts across different periods and cultures. Students must fulfill a minimum of 30 credit hours in Art History courses, including core courses, electives, and a capstone project. The core coursework typically includes introductory classes such as “Introduction to Art History,” which covers fundamental concepts and methodologies, as well as survey courses that explore major periods like Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, Modern, and Contemporary art. Specialized courses delve into topics such as Asian, African, Indigenous, and Islamic art, offering a diversified perspective of global artistic traditions.

In addition to coursework, students are encouraged to participate in seminars and research projects that promote critical analysis and scholarly writing. The program emphasizes developing skills in visual analysis, contextual understanding, and historical interpretation. Students are also often required to engage in internships or practical experiences, which can include visits to museums, galleries, or cultural institutions, providing hands-on exposure to the field.

Language proficiency, especially in French or other relevant languages, may be recommended to access a broader range of primary sources and scholarship. The program may also include a culminating requirement such as a comprehensive exam, research paper, or a thesis project that demonstrates the student's ability to synthesize their knowledge and perform original research. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to participate in exhibitions, conferences, and scholarly events to enhance their academic and professional development.

Overall, the Art History program at Mount Allison is designed to foster critical thinking, visual literacy, and cultural awareness, preparing graduates for careers in museum work, art curation, education, or further academic study. The curriculum balances theoretical coursework with practical experience to ensure students acquire both the knowledge and skills needed in the arts sector, while also promoting a lifelong appreciation of visual culture.

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

Funding for the Art History program at Mount Allison University is accessible through a variety of financial aid options. Students enrolling in the program are encouraged to explore scholarships, bursaries, and grants offered internally by the university, which are designed to assist both domestic and international students in minimizing the financial burden of their studies. Mount Allison University provides several merit-based scholarships for incoming students, including entrance awards that recognize academic achievement, as well as need-based bursaries for students demonstrating financial need. Additionally, current students can apply for departmental awards specific to the Arts and Humanities faculty.

Outside of institutional funding, students are encouraged to seek external scholarships and financial aid sources from government programs, such as provincial student assistance programs, which include loans and grants available to Canadian residents. The Canada Student Grant and other federal support mechanisms can significantly offset education costs. There are also private sponsorship opportunities and industry-specific scholarships aimed at students pursuing arts and cultural studies, which can be investigated through community organizations or private foundations.

Mount Allison University offers work-study programs and on-campus employment opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience while earning income to support their studies. These positions are usually aligned with students' academic pursuits, which can include roles in university galleries, event coordination, or administrative assistance within arts departments.

International students are advised to consider additional funding sources such as international student scholarships, which have specific eligibility criteria and application processes. They may also explore private loans or sponsorship programs available in their home countries that support international education.

In terms of financial planning, students should consider the overall cost of attendance, including tuition fees, textbook expenses, housing, and personal living costs. Mount Allison University provides detailed cost estimates and financial planning resources to help students budget effectively. Prospective students are encouraged to start their financial planning early, apply for relevant scholarships and aid programs well before deadlines, and seek guidance from the university's financial aid office.

Overall, the financial support options for students in the Art History program at Mount Allison University are comprehensive and designed to promote access to arts and humanities education. By combining university-based awards, external scholarships, government assistance, and employment opportunities, students can effectively manage their educational expenses and focus on their academic and professional development in the field of Art History.

Art History at Mount Allison University offers students a comprehensive exploration of the visual arts from diverse historical periods and cultural contexts. The program is designed to develop students' skills in visual analysis, critical thinking, and research, enabling them to understand the significance of art within social, political, and cultural frameworks. Students engage with a wide array of coursework that covers topics such as ancient art, medieval art, Renaissance and Baroque art, modern and contemporary art, as well as specific regional and thematic studies. The curriculum includes both lecture-based classes and practical components like museum visits, presentations, and potential internships, providing a well-rounded educational experience.

Faculty members are experts in their fields, supporting students through personalized mentorship and fostering a vibrant academic community. The program emphasizes the development of skills necessary for careers in museums, galleries, art conservation, academia, and cultural management. Mount Allison University provides access to excellent resources, including its own art collection and affiliations with regional arts organizations, facilitating experiential learning opportunities. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History prepares graduates for advanced study or professional pathways that require a thorough understanding of visual culture, critical interpretation, and historical analysis. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating perspectives from history, philosophy, and cultural studies, enriching students' understanding and appreciation of art's role across societies.

Overall, Mount Allison’s Art History program aims to equip students with the analytical tools and historical knowledge needed to critically engage with artworks and their broader cultural significance, preparing them for diverse careers or further academic pursuits in the arts and humanities.