Art History
Overview
American River College's Art History degree is designed to give students the foundation in art history necessary for transfer to a four-year college or university, and is also useful to those hoping to have a specialization in related fields such as art, history, archaeology, or anthropology. Coursework includes a range of survey classes in art history, as well as a choice between 2-D and 3-D fine arts electives.
The Art Department at American River College also offers students opportunities for enrichment including complimentary museum field trips, rotating exhibitions at the Kaneko Gallery on campus, and artist talks and demonstrations. Art history students who hope to pursue careers in gallery or museum work can take advantage of our related Gallery Certificate program to receive specialized training, and can apply for relevant local internships to further expand their experiences.
Roadmaps
Road maps lay out all of the courses you need to take for a given degree or certificate.
AA-T/AS-T Transfer Degrees
- Dean (Interim) Corinne Arrieta Katzorke
- Department Chair Patricia Wood
- HomeBase Arts HomeBase
- Arts HomeBase
- Phone (916) 484-8570
- Email AskHB-Arts@arc.losrios.edu
Associate Degree for Transfer
A.A.-T. in Art History
The Associate in Arts in Art History for Transfer (AA-T) provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to a California State University. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students should work closely with their American River College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in Art History at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU and the degree may only transfer to specific institutions.
Students must complete the following Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) requirements (pursuant to SB1440, §66746):
• 60 semester or 90 quarter CSU-transferable units
• the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) pattern
• a minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district
• obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0
All ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2025
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core: | ||
| ARTH 302 | Art: Stone Age Through the Middle Ages | 3 |
| ARTH 308 | Renaissance Tradition in Art | 3 |
| ARTH 310 | Modern Art | 3 |
| ART 300 | Drawing and Composition I | 3 |
| A minimum of 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
| ARTH 322 | Art History of the Non-Western World (3) | |
| ARTH 333 | Introduction to Islamic Art (3) | |
| ARTH 334 | International Contemporary Art (3) | |
| List A, Further Preparation in Art History: | ||
| A minimum of 3 units from the following: | 31 | |
| ARTH 318 | History of American Art (3) | |
| ARTH 322 | Art History of the Non-Western World (3) | |
| ARTH 333 | Introduction to Islamic Art (3) | |
| ARTH 334 | International Contemporary Art (3) | |
| ARTH 335 | Survey of Photography (3) | |
| List B, Studio Arts: | ||
| A minimum of 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
| ART 302 | Drawing and Composition II (3) | |
| ART 304 | Figure Drawing I (3) | |
| ART 305 | Figure Drawing II (3) | |
| ART 306 | Facial Expression and Anatomy (3) | |
| or ARTNM 320 | Facial Expression and Anatomy (3) | |
| ART 312 | Portrait Drawing (3) | |
| ART 314 | Introduction to Illustration (3) | |
| or ARTNM 370 | Introduction to Illustration (3) | |
| ART 320 | Design: Fundamentals (3) | |
| ART 323 | Design: Color Theory (3) | |
| ART 324 | Collage and Assemblage (3) | |
| ART 327 | Painting I (3) | |
| ART 328 | Painting II (3) | |
| ART 329 | Painting III (3) | |
| ART 330 | Mural Painting (3) | |
| ART 336 | Watercolor Painting (3) | |
| ART 337 | Intermediate Watercolor Painting (3) | |
| ART 361 | Printmaking: Survey (3) | |
| ART 370 | Three Dimensional Design (3) | |
| ART 372 | Sculpture (3) | |
| ART 373 | Intermediate Sculpture (3) | |
| ART 375 | Figure Sculpture (3) | |
| ART 390 | Ceramics (3) | |
| ART 391 | Intermediate Ceramics (3) | |
| ARTNM 303 | Graphic Design: Typography (3) | |
| ARTNM 322 | Beginning Digital Art (3) | |
| ARTNM 324 | Digital Design (3) | |
| ARTNM 405 | Digital 2D Animation (3) | |
| ARTPH 300 | Basic Film and Darkroom Photography (3) | |
| ARTPH 305 | Digital Photography (3) | |
| ARTPH 360 | Studio Lighting (3) | |
| Total Units: | 21 | |
1Courses that appear in multiple lists can be used to satisfy only one list's requirements.
The Associate in Arts in Art History for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- assess and evaluate the contributions of artists throughout history.
- identify and evaluate works of art or architecture according to their appropriate style and time frame.
- analyze and critique art and architecture within the context of their functions and meanings.
- research and assess theoretical information concerning the meanings and purposes of art and architecture.
- explain the history of cultures and civilizations and how art and architecture is a reflection of that history.
Career Information
Art historians with undergraduate degrees are placed as registrars, preparators, and curatorial staff in art museums and galleries; they can also be employed as art critics in mass media publications, such as newspapers and magazines. An advanced degree allows an art historian a wider range of possible career applications, including museums directorships, curators, instructors, preservationists, researchers, and auction house personnel.
Art History (ARTH) Courses
ARTH 300 Art Appreciation
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC (ARTH 300 & 480 combined: maximum credit - one course)
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3A (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID ARTH 100
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course is a survey of the history and analysis of the visual arts, including drawing, painting, sculpture, architecture, and additional media. It offers a foundation for understanding art across time and in diverse cultures. Field trips to art galleries or museums may be required.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- critically evaluate the basic elements of an artwork.
- distinguish the techniques and materials used in the creation of art and architecture.
- differentiate between art historical periods.
- identify the functions of art and roles of the artist in diverse cultures.
- evaluate art and architecture using formal analysis and art historical vocabulary.
- compare and contrast different art historical methodologies.
ARTH 302 Art: Stone Age Through the Middle Ages
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3A (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID ARTH 110
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course is a study of the architecture, sculpture, and painting of the ancient Near East and Europe from the Stone Age through the Middle Ages. Art works of each period are discussed and related to respective cultures. Field trips and/or individual visitation to art galleries and museums may be required.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify artwork from prehistoric and ancient cultures through the Middle Ages and discuss it using art historical terminology.
- differentiate works of art based upon the historical context or the cultural values represented.
- analyze the different ways cultures used and made art from the Stone Age through the Middle Ages.
- compare the changing roles of art and architecture in the eras from prehistoric to Gothic.
ARTH 308 Renaissance Tradition in Art
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3A (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:Part of C-ID ARTH 120
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course is a study of painting, sculpture, and architecture of European cultures from the 14th century early Renaissance to the late Baroque period. Outstanding art works of each major period are discussed, analyzed, and placed within historical context. A field trip to an art museum or art gallery may be required.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify the key artistic developments of the Italian Renaissance and explain, using art historical terminology, the shifts in culture and patronage they represent in comparison to earlier periods.
- differentiate works of art from the Northern Renaissance and identify how its culture and patronage can be reflected in its own artistic innovations at this time.
- understand how innovations like printmaking, or the creation of a middle class art market, shaped the consumption of images.
- compare the stylistic differences of the Baroque and understand how social and religious changes helped to create and influence them.
- analyze how the roles of art and artist changed from the early Renaissance in comparison to later periods.
ARTH 310 Modern Art
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3A (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID ARTH 150; Part of C-ID ARTH 120
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course covers 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st century art forms including painting, sculpture, and architecture in Europe and America. It addresses styles including Rococo, Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, and the major movements of the 20th century. Postmodern art is also discussed. A field trip to an art museum or art gallery may be required.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify major works of art and architecture from the Rococo period to the contemporary period.
- discuss and distinguish styles and stylistic changes in art from the Rococo period to the contemporary period.
- use art historical vocabulary and methods to interpret and evaluate art and architecture from the Rococo period to the contemporary period.
- formulate and analyze meanings and functions of art and architecture from the Rococo period to the contemporary period within their cultural and historical contexts.
ARTH 318 History of American Art
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3A (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course covers art in America from initial European contact to the present day. Topics include initial images of the New World made by Europeans; early art and architecture that reflects a synthesis of Native and European traditions; Colonial and early American art, architecture, and decorative arts; 19th-century portraits, landscapes, and history paintings; and regional and later modernist American art of the twentieth century. This course emphasizes the influence of European traditions as well as the history of a variety of cultures in the present day United States, the variety of styles and patrons in the country, and the way in which cultural values find expression in art, architecture, and decorative arts. An individual or group field trip to a museum or art gallery is required.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- recall and identify major works of art and architecture created in America from the 15th century to the present day.
- compare and contrast art objects created in America from the 15th century to the present day.
- critique and analyze American art, architecture, and decorative arts based on aesthetic and functional qualities.
- identify and interpret sources of influence for American art, architecture, and decorative arts.
- synthesize American cultural values and their artistic expressions.
- describe how historical, social, or political contexts can be seen in the styles or types of art objects coming from specific American regions or eras.
ARTH 322 Art History of the Non-Western World
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3A (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This is a survey of art history throughout India, Africa, the Americas, the Arctic, Australia, and Oceania. It covers the architecture, sculpture, and painting of the peoples in these parts of the world. The time period spans from the Stone Age to the 18th century. Field trips and/or individual visits to art galleries and museums are required.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze the different visual arts styles of various global cultures.
- discuss and describe the diversity in art throughout the world.
- compare the aesthetic motivation and cultural purposes of various art forms.
- compare traditional multicultural and international art periods.
ARTH 333 Introduction to Islamic Art
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3A (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course surveys the art and culture of the Middle East. It focuses on Islamic art and architecture and provides fundamental information on the formation of Islamic art, its history, and philosophy. It includes visual examples from Arabic, Persian, and Indian cultures.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate the influential elements in the formation and production of Islamic art considering the social, political, and historical backdrop against which Islamic art flourished, including the role of the unorthodox interpretation of Islam relating to artistic endeavors.
- demonstrate an awareness of the critical issues within the field of "Islamic art" such as the use of the term “Islamic” in Islamic art and the application of methodology in the interpretation of the art.
- demonstrate knowledge of and comparatively analyze examples of the various branches of the art and architecture and the relating arts, for example the art of the book, calligraphy, and book illumination as part of the art of the object, religious and secular architecture, and the building decorative arts as seen in the realm of architecture.
- analyze the mutual impact of Islam and other cultures both in the East and the West and identify the elements of mutual appropriation in their visual art.
ARTH 334 International Contemporary Art
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3A (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course is a worldwide survey of trends in art, including painting, sculpture, and architecture since 1980, with an emphasis on the diversity of contemporary global cultures. New art mediums, such as video, computer, street art, and performance art are highlighted. This course focuses on social and political commentary in art. A field trip to a local art exhibition may be required.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- appraise representative artists and artworks from a number of different world cultures.
- analyze current trends in painting, sculpture, photography, film, architecture, and new visual art mediums.
- evaluate an artwork's visual elements as well as its social or political content.
- critique the effectiveness of postmodern artworks.
- analyze current controversies and legal matters in art as well as artists' changing roles as participants in contemporary society.
ARTH 335 Survey of Photography
- Same As:ARTPH 345
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3A (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course is a survey of photography. It explores the evolution of the photographic medium, its impact on art, culture, and history from the inception of photography to current trends. This survey covers various genres, including fine art, journalism, science, and social media. Field trips may be required. This course is not open to students who have completed ARTPH 345.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze the different photographic genres throughout history.
- compare the different visual art periods and styles of photography.
- describe and discuss the cultural impact of photography on society.
- evaluate the influence of photography on other artistic mediums.
- identify significant artists and their influence on the history of photography.
ARTH 499 Experimental Offering in Art History
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This is the experimental courses description.
Faculty
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