What students, faculty, and recent graduates say about Art History at Principia.

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History through artists' eyes

" What I love most about my art history major," says one senior, "is looking at history through the eyes of individuals. Of course, social and political conditions and wars affect the lives of artists, but each one interprets them differently." A professor agrees, saying, "What excites me about art history is that it's a visual record of the hopes and aspirations of humanity. Looking back, thinking about how people responded to events and how they could change things, it's an embodiment of their thinking, their religion, their way of life."

" We're not just looking at pretty pieces of art," says an art history major with a double minor in theatre and English. "We're looking for the thought process behind each work of art. It's demanding to translate a piece of work into ideas and then to write about that. I've become more confident in my ability to reason, to think things through, and to recognize beauty."

Original research demands original thought

" Last quarter we each studied a 20th-century painting in the St. Louis Art Museum," says a senior art history major. "We chose works that have not been widely studied, did original research, came up with a thesis, and then proved or disproved that thesis in a research paper." Going on the Art History Abroad— "an incredible opportunity to be in front of the art works we had just seen as slides" —persuaded one student to choose the major. Through small, seminar-style discussion classes plus the emphasis on writing, she feels she's gaining an ability to communicate that will "definitely have an impact on life after college." A professor says further, "In my classes we spend a lot of time looking at original works of art in museums here or abroad. Each student develops the ability to spend at least three hours in 'conversation' with one work of art. This brings a great deal of depth to their vision."

Professors spark enthusiasm

A junior art history major says that the Introduction to the Arts class, which she took freshman year, inspired her to study more art history. "My professor had such enthusiasm and love for her subject, and she was so knowledgeable that I couldn't help getting excited about every period we studied." Another major agrees, saying, "She infects you with her enthusiasm and her love of art—and it just takes off."

Making connections in thought

" In my work of running an arts program for children, I've been able to use both my studio art and art history backgrounds," says a graduate who majored in both subjects. "And I may draw a little more on my art history major, because in those classes we had to learn how to present ourselves and to teach by presenting papers and slide shows. I did an independent project researching art created by women, where I presented what I was learning to the art history classes that quarter." She continues, "Besides educating me about the past—what has already been said through art—studying art history gave me ideas about what kinds of art I could do. There's a lot still to be said!"

A different kind of perspective

" Looking at things from all different perspectives, not being content with just one perspective, has helped me to be more unbiased, to have a broader mind, and to be more aware of world history and culture," says a senior. An art history alumna adds, "I didn't know anything about art history—that first class opened up so many doors. We had to analyze even the littlest details, from the brush strokes, to the colors, to the life of the artist and what influenced his or her style. Now in my job I can see how everything around us affects how we make our decisions. I also gained in spirituality through my art history classes. Much of the art is religious in thought, very awe-inspiring. To me, it's about Soul."

Digging deep, sharpening vision

" My major demands accuracy, really tight writing," says a senior major. "It demands that I see relationships between things, and that I have a good understanding of history, current events, politics, and religion. The professors expect the best of you, and you'll be surprised at what you can accomplish." A professor emphasizes that "in art history you build on analysis skills. You create, improve, see things, make connections, synthesize information." A senior says she has learned a lot about "being very thorough" and about research. She remarks, "I do a lot of background reading and research to find out more about what I'm learning in class. The art history major demands a real interest in finding out about what you're learning."
One student switched to art history from a "more practical" major. "My parents and I reasoned I should do what I love," she says. "The study of art history has developed my critical thinking and writing skills. Even the memorization of lots of facts has been exciting in the context of that study. I'm more satisfied with what I am learning now." With her minors in Spanish and mass communication, this student plans to take her research skills and love of writing into journalism. Concerning analysis of art, a professor points out that "it sharpens our vision. In a sense, I think of art as the shape of our perceptions, and how an artist shapes those perceptions is really how he or she talks about the life he or she is living."

After graduation

A recent graduate who majored in art history and English credits her Principia adviser with helping her get the practical experience that was crucial in landing her a job in her chosen field. She interned at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston while she was still at Principia, and at the St. Louis Art Museum after graduation. She then earned a master's degree in art history and is now director of the Greenberg Gallery of Contemporary Art in St. Louis. "My art history background really oriented me toward the visual arts," says another grad. "We frequently were asked to speak about the art, so I became confident and articulate. I developed my own philosophy about art and learned how important art is in our lives. My undergraduate work gave me a passion. Now, in my graduate program in arts management, I'm learning how I can make art a reality in people's lives."