Fine Arts Division

Art History

In order to prepare our students for exciting careers in art history or related fields, the Art History Department at Pepperdine University is committed to an interdisciplinary and intercultural approach to the study of art history. To truly understand the significance of a work of art, the art historian must comprehend not only its formal qualities, but also the political, social, and religious contexts in which the work was created. Students of art history place art in its comprehensive historical context, assess art and the field of art history critically and analytically, master research, writing, and presentation skills, and develop an appreciation for diverse cultures and the vital role that art plays in human expression across time and space.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

A student who completes a degree in art history should be able to:

• Recognize, identify, and appreciate art and architectural monuments from the major Western traditions.
• Analyze the formal qualities of Western art and architecture using appropriate vocabulary.analyze the social, political, historical and religious contexts of Western art and architecture. 
• Apply theoretical and methodological approaches to the interpretation of Western art and architecture.
• Understand the challenges, benefits, and costs of different artistic media.
• Understand how technological developments influenced artistic practice.understand ethical standards as they relate to the art market and cultural heritage.
• Respect diversity as expressed through art

Our students benefit tremendously from our close proximity to world class museums and galleries through visits, hands-on seminars with museum curators, and internships. Internships are strongly encouraged and supported. Here are just some of the institutions where our students have interned:

• British Museum, London, U.K.
• Christie’s, Beverly Hills, CA
• Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art, Pepperdine
• Getty Center, Brentwood, CA
• Getty Villa, Malibu, CA
• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, The Smithsonian Institute, Washington D.C.
• Houston Museum of Art, Houston, TX
• IGavel Online Auction House
• Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth, TX
• Los Angeles County Museum of Art, LA, CA
• McNay Art Museum, San Antonio, TX
• Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, CA
• National Gallery, Washington D.C.
• Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena, CA
• Rohrer Fine Art, Laguna Beach, CA
• And more

Art History students at Pepperdine can also participate in our active Art History Student Society, an impressive Art History Lecture Series, service learning projects in many classes, and directed research projects with professors during the academic year or summer.

A degree in art history prepares students for numerous exciting careers in museums, education, non-profit, galleries, auction houses, art business, and more. Our graduates are also highly competitive for graduate programs in art history, archaeology, cultural studies, and law.