Student Learning Outcomes

1. Identify, explain, and analyze works of art from both western and non-western societies from different eras

2. Recognize and explain the relationship of artistic styles to historical events and intellectual trends

3. Distinguish among stylistic differences in musics of different eras and from different cultures

4. Recognize and explain historical changes in musics of different eras and from different cultures

5. Express ideas clearly through writing

6. Demonstrate proficiency in musical skills

Lower division requirements (12 credits)

Upper division requirements (18 credits)

Students must take 6 courses at the 300-level or above. 3 of these courses must be HOM and 3 of them must be HOA.

Additional Information

Students may count 3 credits of studio art, music lessons or ensemble toward the upper division requirement. Students may petition to have 3 credits of appropriate coursework in art history and 3 credits of appropriate coursework in music history taken outside the department (non-HOA-HOM courses) count towards the fine arts major.

Distinction in Fine Arts (3 credits, required only for students earning a degree with distinction)

Majors who have earned a cumulative GPA of at least 3.7 will be invited to earn a degree with distinction. In order to earn this honor, students are required to enroll in either HOA 490 or HOM 490 (dependent on subject matter). These students will work independently, under the supervision of a faculty member, to complete a large-scale project in some aspect of art or/and music history. Students will determine the topic for their Distinction Project in consultation with a thesis advisor, whom they will choose from among the Art and Music Histories faculty (in exceptional cases other faculty may serve in this capacity). The thesis will also be evaluated by a second reader, chosen by the thesis advisor (in consultation with the student) from other faculty in the Art and Music Histories department or related disciplines. In most cases, the project will take the form of a formal essay approximately 6000 words in length. Alternative types of projects are also possible, provided they meet with the approval of both the thesis advisor and Fine Arts director. Students completing a Capstone Project for an Honor’s program thesis are welcome to submit this work for consideration. The Distinction Project may be substituted for any of the required 18 upper elective credits for the major. All projects must be awarded at least an A- to receive distinction. Credits from the HOA/HOM 490 Distinction project will count toward the upper division requirements.