Undergraduate Program
Dagmar Vaikalafi Dyck, Seven Sisters, 2016. Acrylic and India ink on archival relief printed paper. Photograph by Sam Hartnett.
The study of visual culture encompasses the production, use, form, and reception of visual products and cultural manifestations past and present.
It incorporates the painting, sculpture, and architecture traditionally defined as art history and extends throughout the field of visual imagery beyond the conventional boundaries formerly drawn by the academy. The History of Art and Visual Culture (HAVC) Department offers courses covering a wide variety of representations from the cultures of Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Pacific Islands including areas as diverse as ritual, performative expression, bodily adornment, landscape, the built environment, installation art, textiles, manuscripts, photography, film, video games, apps, and data visualizations.
HAVC students at UC Santa Cruz investigate complex questions concerning the social, political, economic, religious, and psychological impact of images from the perspective of their producers, users, and viewers. Visual objects play a central role in the formation of values and beliefs, including the perception of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, race, and class. Through attentive historical study and close analysis, students are taught to recognize and assess these systems of value, and are introduced to theoretical and methodological frameworks for future research.
Program Highlights
Faculty Advisors
Faculty are an important resource for learning about the philosophies and foundations of the history of art and visual culture. Faculty advisors work collaboratively with students to develop a course of study, support students in mastering course material, and discuss long-term career goals, including education beyond the baccalaureate. With the help of the undergraduate advisor, each student selects a faculty advisor as their mentor when they declare the major or minor.
Combining HAVC With Other Programs
The HAVC major is flexible, can be easily completed within four years, and works well when combined with other programs offered at UCSC. Many students choose to combine the HAVC major with a double major in minor in other complementary programs including (but certainly not limited to) anthropology, art, business management economics, classical studies, critical race and ethnic studies, education, history, legal studies, literature, politics, psychology, and sociology.
Global Learning
The flexibility of the HAVC program allows students to partake in global learning opportunities including the UC Education Abroad Program, Global Seminars, and UCDC. By studying abroad, students take responsibility for their learning in a global context and become engaged and thoughtful scholars. To find out more, please visit the UCSC Global Learning website. Your HAVC undergraduate advisor is happy to offer additional guidance.
Internships
The HAVC program encourages students to pursue internship opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the arts and to explore various career paths. Agency sponsors work with students to define their learning goals, develop their capacity and talents, and support students in examining their career interests.
Scholarships and Grants
The HAVC Department is pleased to offer unique scholarship and grant opportunities that can greatly enhance students’ educational experiences. Travel to a museum, organization or event relevant to your HAVC research interests, attend or present at a professional conference, visit prospective graduate schools, and more.
Events and Speakers
The HAVC Department hosts a variety of guest speakers, faculty and student events, museum field trips, and more. Please visit News & Events and join HAVC Instagram to learn about upcoming events.
Study and Research Opportunities
Learn More
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Graduates from the History of Art and Visual Culture B.A. program will have demonstrated the following:
PLO 1: Breadth of Knowledge
1a. Develop knowledge and understanding of diverse visual creations in different social and cultural contexts and/or historical periods.
1b. Develop knowledge of modes of production as well as technical and physical properties of the architecture, objects, images, and material cultures studied.
PLO 2: Analysis and Interpretation
2a. Conduct visual analysis proficiently using culturally and historically appropriate terms.
2b. Contextualize, evaluate, and/or explain visual, material, and historical cultural forms and values.
PLO 3: Research and Critique/Contextualization
3a. Formulate research questions and conduct research based on knowledge and critical evaluation of primary and secondary sources (archival, library, and/or field research) relevant to the discipline.
3b. Develop original interpretations and thesis statements based on factual evidence and critical argumentation.
3c. Identify and analyze dynamics of injustice, inequity, and other issues of critical/political concern that determine the production, reception, and continued legacy of visual, material, architectural, or spatial forms.
PLO 4: Critical Thinking and Reading
4a. Recognize, interpret, contextualize, and critically analyze different scholarly arguments, debates, and/or primary source materials.
4b. Consult and synthesize relevant literature in history of art, visual culture, and other disciplines to present independent analysis.
PLO 5: Written Communication
5a. Write clear, concise prose to present visual and historical analysis and interpretation.
5b. Formulate, present, and support strong, cohesive arguments in writing.
5c. Apply scholarly methods of citation, formatting, etc.
UCSC General Catalog
The UCSC General Catalog is the primary source of information on the campus’s academic programs and beyond. You can learn more about the HAVC Department, our program requirements, and our courses.
