History of Art & Visual Culture

Welcome

Discover visual cultures around the world; explore the rich history of fine art; learn about the power of vision and visualization; understand the politics of image making. From ancient Peru to contemporary New York, from painting to photography, from textiles to digital technologies, the HAVC department inspires students to see things differently, to think critically, and to research intrepidly.

Read About History of Art & Visual Culture

Academic Programs

Mural in Porter College with the phrase "Ars longa, vita brevis" painted in cursive

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM

History of Art & Visual Culture Major (B.A.) and Minor

The study of visual culture encompasses the production, use, form, and reception of visual products and cultural manifestations past and present. HAVC teaches visual literacy and changes the ways students see the world.

Mural in Porter College depicting butterflies, waves, and abstract shapes

GRADUATE PROGRAM

Visual Studies (Ph.D.)

The Visual Studies Ph.D. offers an interdisciplinary program focused on visual-cultural scholarship, comprising specialized coursework and individual dissertation research in close coordination with faculty supervision.

A shelf of books written by faculty in History of Arts & Visual Culture

Faculty Research

Our faculty researches diverse cultures and geographies, traditions and forms. We actively pursue field work, archival investigation, and conceptual analysis to transform existing literature, reimagine disciplinary frameworks, and develop new academic fields of study.

Browse a Selection of Our Research

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The History of Art and Visual Culture Department affirms its commitment to recognizing, addressing, and combatting all forms of discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, and ability. The department collectively seeks to empower students, colleagues, and our campus community toward the goal of creating an inclusive, respectful, and equitable environment.

Read DEI Plan