The Art History Option supports students interested in the history of creative expression. This Option is for students who are interested in the history of art and visual culture and who want to explore the world of images and what they mean. It is a strong basis for the pursuit of further study in art history or any of the humanities disciplines at a four-year institution and beyond. Successful completion will help prepare students for career paths that rely on the ability to have visual image literacy such as advertising, marketing, merchandising, social media, and creative direction. Art History Option students will: Develop effective oral and written communication and analytical skills in order to discuss, compare, contrast, and critique works of art within a complex social, cultural, and political context. Learn to use technology for the study of visual culture in a meaningful way. Develop a vocabulary specific to the study of art history. Become familiar with important periods of art in both Western and global traditions in order to understand historical antecedents and current movements in the visual arts. Learn how to research and cite sources from Hostos Library resources both on-line and in the physical collection. Learn to read form for meaning in visual images through critical comparative analysis. The Visual and Performing Arts Unit at Hostos Community College (CUNY): Those who elect to earn credits in the visual and performing arts will find a variety of approaches to learning that include lecture and studio based classes as well as workshops that allow for the exploration of extracurricular interests or even for the development of career centered skill sets vital to the pursuit of employment opportunities. The successful completion of courses in the arts are a useful and, in many cases, essential basis for study in other disciplines. They are also a valuable source for personal development. Students interested in planning a concentration in the visual arts are advised to consult with the Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator. THE ART HISTORY OPTION: (9 credit hours-3 courses total) Art History If student has already taken a course in this category as part of their Common Core or Flexible Core course of study, the student could complete an additional course in this category. I. Foundation | Complete 1 Course HUM 100 Introduction to Global Humanities 3 credits, 3 hours This course will offer a global awareness and understanding of the expansive history of humanity and the diversity of cultural forms and practices. Its aim is to give foundational knowledge from multiple perspectives that describe the chronological and geographical relationships between cultures. This course will also pique students’ interest in history, philosophy, literature, social sciences, art, and music. This will encourage the student to reflect on how personal origins and beliefs affect actions and values. OR VPA 111- Arts and Civilization I: Prehistory to 1400 3 credits, 3 hours Students will become familiar with core global examples of material culture, art, design, and architecture from the Paleolithic era to the fifteenth century. Through museum visits, readings, class discussions, and writing assignments, students will consider the crucial role of these images and objects in the formation of their respective historical and cultural context. OR VPA 112 Arts and Civilization II: 1400 to Present 3 credits, 3 hours Students will expand and refine their knowledge of core global examples of material culture, art, design, and architecture from the fifteenth century to the present in Arts and Civilization II. Through museum visits, readings, class discussions, and writing assignments, students will consider the crucial role of these images and objects in the formation of their respective historical and cultural context. OR VPA 113 Introduction to Art 3 credits, 3 hours The student will analyze, discuss, and define: nature of art, meaning of art, major forms of art, and components of art; art periods, narration, description, illusion and reality, criteria for criticism, and art in New York. The student will engage in field trips and special projects. OR VPA 114 Modern Art in the City 3 credits, 3 hours Modern Art in the City introduces students to a diverse range of twentieth and early twenty-first century visual art and architecture. Students will consider the crucial role of art and architecture in their respective historical and cultural contexts. Through museum visits, readings, writing assignments, web resources, and by exploring New York City itself as a case study, students will examine the history of modern art and the role of the city in the creation and reflection of our modern, global experiences. II. Elaboration | Complete 2 Courses Students may not fulfill Foundation and Elaboration requirements with the same course VPA 111 - Arts and Civilization I: Prehistory to 1400 OR VPA 112 - Arts and Civilization II: 1400 to Present OR VPA 113 - Introduction to Art OR VPA 114 - Modern Art in the City OR BLS 131 Black American Art 3 credits, 3 hours The student will be able to trace the major works of art from the earliest times to the present. S/he will analyze the works of art in relation to the cultural and social conditions under which they were produced. The works of Henry Tanner, Aaron Douglas, Charles White, and others will be considered. OR ENG 240 The Graphic Novel 3 credits, 3 hours This course will introduce students to the graphic novel, and will examine the cultural history and defining features of the genre. Students will examine the relationship of text and art in the graphic novel. Students will learn to write effectively about the graphic novel in a variety of modes, including a research paper using print and online sources. At the end of the course, students will put knowledge into practice by creating their own short graphic narrative and artist’s statement.