Art History
Overview
The Folsom Lake College art history curriculum offers a wide range of courses in introduction to art, western, and non-western art, from prehistoric to contemporary. Through the program’s diverse classes, students develop an understanding of the diverse cultural, historical, social, and religious backgrounds. The art history curriculum’s critical thinking and research components encourage students to utilize independent thought processes and analytical skills. The program provides transfer and employment opportunities, as well as personal enrichment for students.
- Art Dealer
- Art History Instructor
- Art Restorer
- Arts Management Consultant
- Docent
- Gallery Director
- Museum Educator
- Museum Registrar/Collection Manager
Some career options may require more than two years of college study.
- Art history faculty is composed of professionals with diverse specialization who have presented in national and international conferences.
- Lectures on western and non-western art enrich an understanding of diverse cultures.
Program Maps
A.A./A.S. Degrees
AA-T/AS-T Transfer Degrees
- Division Dean Francis Fletcher
- Department Chair Eunyoung Hwang
- Meta-Major Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
- Phone (916) 608-6752
- Email fletchf@flc.losrios.edu
Associate Degrees for Transfer
A.A.-T. in Art History
The Associate in Arts in Art History for Transfer Degree program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to the 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 Folsom Lake 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.
This program has the following completion requirements:
(1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
(A) The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education – Breadth Requirements.
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
ADTs also require that students must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ARTH 303 | Art Survey: Ancient to 14th Century | 3 |
| ARTH 309 | Art Survey: Renaissance to 19th Century | 3 |
| ARTH 311 | Art Survey: Modern Art | 3 |
| ART 300 | Drawing and Composition I | 3 |
| A minimum of 9 units from the following: | 9 | |
| Select 3 units from Art History Electives, 3 units from Art Electives, and 3 units from any of the following lists. | ||
| Art History Electives | ||
| ARTH 324 | Art of the Americas (3) | |
| ARTH 325 | Native American Art History (3) | |
| ARTH 328 | Survey of African Art (3) | |
| ARTH 330 | Survey of African-American Art (3) | |
| ARTH 332 | Asian Art (3) | |
| ARTH 333 | Introduction to Islamic Art (3) | |
| Art Electives | ||
| ART 304 | Figure Drawing I (3) | |
| ART 320 | Design: Fundamentals (3) | |
| ART 327 | Painting I (3) | |
| ART 361 | Printmaking: Survey (3) | |
| ART 370 | Three Dimensional Design (3) | |
| ART 372 | Sculpture (3) | |
| ART 383 | Metal Design: Emphasis In Fabrication (3) | |
| ART 390 | Ceramics (3) | |
| ART 402 | Beginning Clay Sculpture (3) | |
| General Electives | ||
| ARTH 307 | Italian Renaissance Art (3) | |
| ARTH 318 | History of American Art (3) | |
| Total Units: | 21 | |
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 overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.
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.
- demonstrate an understanding of 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.
Associate Degrees
A.A. in Art History
The A.A. Degree in Art History is designed for students to pursue their education in Art History and Art Administration as well as for students who seek self enrichment in the field of Art History. Students, after transfer and completion of their Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art History, can further their studies in Master’s and Ph.D. in Art History and Art Administration.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ARTH 304 | Ancient Art | 3 |
| ARTH 306 | Medieval Art | 3 |
| ARTH 309 | Art Survey: Renaissance to 19th Century | 3 |
| ARTH 311 | Art Survey: Modern Art | 3 |
| A minimum of 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
| ARTH 307 | Italian Renaissance Art (3) | |
| ARTH 318 | History of American Art (3) | |
| A minimum of 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
| ARTH 312 | Women in Art (3) | |
| ARTH 324 | Art of the Americas (3) | |
| ARTH 325 | Native American Art History (3) | |
| ARTH 328 | Survey of African Art (3) | |
| ARTH 330 | Survey of African-American Art (3) | |
| ARTH 332 | Asian Art (3) | |
| ARTH 333 | Introduction to Islamic Art (3) | |
| A minimum of 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
| ART 300 | Drawing and Composition I (3) | |
| ART 320 | Design: Fundamentals (3) | |
| ART 323 | Design: Color Theory (3) | |
| ART 361 | Printmaking: Survey (3) | |
| ART 364 | Printmaking: Relief (3) | |
| ART 370 | Three Dimensional Design (3) | |
| ART 372 | Sculpture (3) | |
| ART 382 | Metal Design: Emphasis in Mixed Media (3) | |
| ART 383 | Metal Design: Emphasis In Fabrication (3) | |
| ART 390 | Ceramics (3) | |
| ART 402 | Beginning Clay Sculpture (3) | |
| Total Units: | 21 | |
The Art History Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See FLC graduation requirements.
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.
- demonstrate an understanding of the history of cultures and civilizations and how art and architecture is a reflection of that history.
Career Information
Upon the completion of their continued education, students can work in galleries and museums as docents, as program directors, curators, or for private collectors and public organizations in related fields as well as educators, writers, etc.
Art History (ARTH) Courses
ARTH 300 Art Appreciation
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- C-ID:C-ID ARTH 100
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is an introduction to the visual arts and architecture in various world cultures. Lecture and discussion include an overview of different materials and techniques that are used for the visual arts, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, artifacts, architecture, and printmaking. Topics also include the study of theory, terminology, the meaning and function of art, roles of artists, elements of art, and principles of design to develop visual literacy.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze and evaluate different materials and techniques used for creating the visual arts and architecture.
- identify, analyze, and discuss the roles of artists and functions of art and architecture in diverse cultures.
- evaluate and critique works of art and architecture based on elements of art and principles of design and employ appropriate terminology.
- differentiate art historical methodologies.
ARTH 303 Art Survey: Ancient to 14th Century
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ARTH 300 and ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- C-ID:C-ID ARTH 110
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course surveys western art from the prehistoric period to the 14th century. Topics include the relationship between the visual arts and culture, and changes in the visual arts and architecture from Paleolithic to Gothic.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify, examine, and assess works of art and architecture from prehistoric through the medieval period employing appropriate art history terminology.
- analyze, discuss, and differentiate works of art and architecture in terms of historical context and cultural values.
- analyze, discuss, and differentiate the roles of art, architecture, and the artist from prehistory through the medieval period.
ARTH 304 Ancient Art
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ARTH 300 and ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers the development of Western art from the Prehistoric era through the Roman period. Lecture and discussion focus on the visual arts and architecture from the ancient Near Eastern, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures. This is a required course for students seeking the A.A. in Art History.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and evaluate works of art and architecture from the prehistoric to ancient cultures.
- analyze the creation and function of art.
- demonstrate an understanding of different cultural, social, and religious influences to visual arts in Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures.
- analyze meanings and purposes of art and architecture.
ARTH 306 Medieval Art
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ARTH 300 and ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introduction to Medieval arts and architecture from the fall of Roman Empire through late Gothic period. The lecture and discussion include the Early Christian, Byzantine, Celtic, Islamic, Romanesque, and Gothic arts. This is a required course for students seeking the A.A. in Art History.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and evaluate the visual arts and architecture from the Medieval period in Europe.
- analyze different stylistic changes in the visual arts and architecture during the Medieval period.
- evaluate different cultural, social, and religious influences on the visual arts and architecture during the Medieval period.
- research and analyze meanings and functions of arts and architecture.
ARTH 307 Italian Renaissance Art
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ARTH 300 and ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course introduces the visual arts and architecture of Italy from duecento (13th century) through cinquecento (16th century). Topics include the relationship between the visual arts and culture, and artists and their works from Proto-Renaissance, Renaissance, High Renaissance, and Mannerism.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify works of art from duecento (13th century) through cinquecento (16th century) in Italy.
- compare and contrast the characteristics of art movements and the artists' works in Italy.
- compare and contrast the relationship between the visual arts and culture in Italy.
- research and analyze the Italian visual arts and architecture from duecento through cinquecento.
ARTH 309 Art Survey: Renaissance to 19th Century
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ARTH 300 and ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- C-ID:Part of C-ID ARTH 120
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a survey of art from the Proto-Renaissance (13th and 14th centuries) to Romanticism (19th century). The course examines paintings, sculptures, graphic art, artifacts, and architecture from western culture.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify, examine, and assess representative works of art and architecture from the Renaissance to 19th century employing appropriate art historical terminology.
- analyze, discuss, and differentiate works of art and architecture in terms of historical context and cultural values.
- analyze, discuss, and distinguish the roles of art, architecture, and artists from Renaissance to 19th century.
ARTH 311 Art Survey: Modern Art
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ARTH 300 and ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- C-ID:C-ID ARTH 150; Part of C-ID ARTH 120
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a survey of modern art from Neoclassicism to contemporary art, from 18th century to 21st century. Through lecture and discussion, the course examines visual arts and architecture from Europe and America.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify, examine, and assess representative works of art and architecture from the art historical periods covered in this course employing appropriate art historical terminology.
- analyze, discuss, and differentiate works of art and architecture in terms of historical context and cultural values.
- analyze, discuss, and distinguish the roles of art, architecture, and the artist from the art historical periods covered in this course.
ARTH 312 Women in Art
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ARTH 300 and ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area I; AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is a survey course of women's art: how women are portrayed in the visual arts and the study of female artists and their works from the Middle Ages through the 21st century. The lecture and discussion include both European and non-European arts of women artists; analysis of women of diverse ethnicity and how their ethnic backgrounds shaped their arts; comparison and contrast of works by women of diverse groups; and comparison and contrast between the portrayals of men and women by male and female artists.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and evaluate the significant contributions made by female artists from the Middle Ages to contemporary visual arts.
- distinguish the works of art produced by female artists.
- evaluate how men and women are depicted as subjects in the visual arts by male and female artists.
- research and analyze works of art produced by female artists.
- analyze how ethnic backgrounds of female artists shaped their works.
ARTH 318 History of American Art
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ARTH 300 and ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers American art from pre-colonial period to the present day. Lecture and discussion include visual arts and architecture of the Native Americans prior to the arrival of Europeans and Colonial periods, Early American art and architecture, 19th century, 20th century, and the early 21st century American arts.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- recognize and identify the visual arts and architecture from the pre-colonial period to the present day America.
- compare and contrast the different meanings and functions of the visual arts and architecture from the pre-colonial to the present day.
- analyze meanings and functions of the visual arts and architecture.
- analyze the relationship between the visual arts and American culture.
ARTH 324 Art of the Americas
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ARTH 300 and ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area I; AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- C-ID:C-ID ARTH 145
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers the visual arts and architecture of Indigenous Mesoamerica and South America. Topics include the relationship between art and beliefs, materials and techniques used in art and architecture, and comparison and contrast between the Mesoamerican and South American cultures.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and evaluate the visual arts and architecture from Mesoamerican and South American cultures.
- compare and contrast the stylistic changes in the visual arts and architecture among the Indigenous Mesoamerican and South American cultures.
- research and analyze the meanings and functions of the visual arts and architecture.
- evaluate the relationship between the art and cultures from Indigenous Mesoamerican and South American cultures and the ideas of ethnicity, ethnology, ethnocentrism, and racism in the study of art.
ARTH 325 Native American Art History
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ARTH 300 and ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area I; AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area C1; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3A; IGETC Area 3B
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introduction to the art and culture of Native American peoples. It will include the native peoples of the Arctic and Subarctic regions, the Northwest Coast, the Eastern Woodlands, including the Iroquois Confederacy, the Plains, the Southwest, and California. Contemporary Native American art will also be discussed. Comparisons between individual Native American cultures will be drawn, as well as comparisons between Native and Eurocentric cultures.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- interpret different beliefs and their influence to the Native American cultures.
- identify and evaluate the visual culture of Native American peoples.
- analyze the role of art in Native American culture throughout history.
- critique and analyze the contribution of Native American artists in contemporary arts.
ARTH 328 Survey of African Art
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ARTH 300 and ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area I; AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers the visual arts and architecture of Africa. Topics include cultural and philosophical background of African arts, materials and techniques used, and the impact of African art to Western art.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- recognize and identify the visual arts and architecture of the African cultures.
- distinguish stylistic changes in art and architecture from prehistoric to modern time in Africa.
- evaluate African art and architecture within their cultural and historical contexts.
- compare and contrast the impact of ethnicity, ethnology, ethnocentrism, and racism in art.
- research and analyze meanings and functions of the visual arts and architecture in Africa.
ARTH 330 Survey of African-American Art
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ARTH 300 and ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area I; AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers the visual arts and architecture of black artists in America. Topics include the roots of African-American art, the Harlem Renaissance, and the political and social representations of the African-American culture.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- recognize and identify the visual arts and architecture by African-American artists from the colonial period to the contemporary period in America.
- distinguish the stylistic changes in art and architecture among African-American artists and their works.
- evaluate and recognize African-American artists' social and political issues in their art.
- interpret the unique contributions that African-American artists and architects have made in the history of American art and architecture.
- research and analyze meanings and functions of art and architecture by African-American artists and architects.
ARTH 332 Asian Art
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ARTH 300 and ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area I; AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- C-ID:C-ID ARTH 130
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a survey of Asian arts and architecture from the Prehistoric era to the contemporary. The course examines arts from China, India, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. The lecture and discussion include the development of Eastern philosophy and beliefs; their relationship to the visual arts; and comparison and contrast between Asian and Western arts.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and evaluate works of art and architecture from Asian cultures including India, China, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.
- evaluate different cultural, social, and religious influences on the visual arts and architecture in Asian cultures.
- distinguish the roles and contributions of the visual arts and artists in Asian cultures and their influence on Western art.
- analyze similarities and differences between Asian and Western art.
- research and analyze the meanings and functions of the visual arts in Asian cultures.
ARTH 333 Introduction to Islamic Art
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area I; AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area C1; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3A; IGETC Area 3B
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is a survey course that studies the art and culture of the Middle East. It primarily focuses on Islamic art and architecture and provides fundamental information on the formation of Islamic art, its history and philosophy. Students will learn to identify works of art produced by artists from Muslim countries and regions. They will also be able to describe verbally and in writing characteristics and key elements in Islamic art and architecture. This course will include but not be limited to 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 analyze comparatively 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, and 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 495 Independent Studies in Art History
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course involves a student working individually on a topic of study and research beyond the scope of regularly offered courses. Upon the approval of the proposed topic, the student will work and keep in contact with the advisory faculty to successfully complete the topic study. Students may take this course up to four times without duplication of the topics.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- discuss and analyze the visual arts and architecture on the topic of study.
- evaluate the relationship between a culture and the visual arts and architecture on the topic of study.
- identify major works of art and architecture on the topic of study.
- research the visual arts and architecture on the topic of study.
ARTH 499 Experimental Offering in Art History
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the experimental courses description.
Faculty
Programs and Majors
Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
This program is part of the Liberal Arts and Social Sciences meta-major.
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