Yale University's Department of the History of Art is one of the oldest and most respected in the United States. Established in 1905, the department has a long history of excellence in teaching and research, with a faculty that includes some of the most prominent art historians in the world. The department's curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the history of art from ancient to modern times, with a focus on the development of visual literacy, critical thinking, and research skills.
Overview of the Department
The Department of the History of Art at Yale University is housed in the Yale University Art Gallery, which is one of the largest and most visited art museums in the country. The department’s faculty includes over 20 full-time professors, as well as numerous visiting scholars and lecturers, who teach a wide range of courses on topics such as ancient Greek and Roman art, medieval and Renaissance art, modern and contemporary art, and the art of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The department also offers a variety of graduate degree programs, including the Master of Arts, Master of Philosophy, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
Research and Teaching
The faculty of the Department of the History of Art at Yale University are actively engaged in research and publication, and many have received national and international awards for their work. The department’s research interests are diverse and include topics such as the art of the ancient world, the history of architecture, the development of modern and contemporary art, and the art of non-Western cultures. The department’s teaching is also highly regarded, with faculty members who are known for their ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner. Students in the department’s undergraduate and graduate programs have access to a wide range of resources, including the Yale University Art Gallery, the Center for British Art, and the Peabody Museum of Natural History.
| Faculty Members | Research Interests |
|---|---|
| Professor Robert Nelson | Medieval and Renaissance art, art and architecture of the Mediterranean world |
| Professor Philippa Kelly | Modern and contemporary art, art and culture of the 20th century |
| Professor Mimi Yiengpruksawan | Art and architecture of Japan, art and culture of East Asia |
Curriculum and Degree Programs
The Department of the History of Art at Yale University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including the Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Master of Philosophy, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The undergraduate program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the history of art from ancient to modern times, with a focus on the development of visual literacy, critical thinking, and research skills. The graduate program is designed to provide students with advanced training in art historical research and methodology, with a focus on preparing students for careers in academia, museums, and other fields related to the visual arts.
Undergraduate Program
The undergraduate program in the Department of the History of Art at Yale University is designed to provide students with a broad introduction to the history of art, as well as the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest. The program requires students to complete a minimum of 12 courses in art history, including a senior seminar and a thesis. Students also have the opportunity to take courses in other departments, such as anthropology, archaeology, and literature, in order to gain a more interdisciplinary understanding of the subject.
Graduate Program
The graduate program in the Department of the History of Art at Yale University is designed to provide students with advanced training in art historical research and methodology. The program requires students to complete a minimum of 12 courses, including a comprehensive exam and a dissertation. Students also have the opportunity to participate in internships and other professional development opportunities, in order to gain practical experience in the field.
- BA in the History of Art: 12 courses, senior seminar, and thesis
- MA in the History of Art: 12 courses, comprehensive exam, and thesis
- PhD in the History of Art: 12 courses, comprehensive exam, and dissertation
What are the requirements for admission to the graduate program in the Department of the History of Art at Yale University?
+Admission to the graduate program in the Department of the History of Art at Yale University requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, as well as a strong academic record and letters of recommendation. Applicants must also submit a statement of purpose, a writing sample, and transcripts. The department also requires applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if English is not their native language.
What are the career opportunities for graduates of the Department of the History of Art at Yale University?
+Graduates of the Department of the History of Art at Yale University have gone on to pursue a wide range of careers, including academia, museums, galleries, and other fields related to the visual arts. Some graduates have become curators, critics, and art historians, while others have gone on to work in fields such as law, medicine, and business. The department’s strong reputation and faculty connections provide graduates with a strong network of contacts and opportunities in the field.
