Courses and Syllabi
The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.
Art History Fall 2025
Undergraduate
ARTH 101: Introduction to the Visual Arts (3 Credits)
Introduction to the content and principles of the visual arts. Approach varies with instructor. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
3 Sections Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 101 - 001: Introduction to Visual Arts — Lisa Passaglia Bauman — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM MW - Innovation Hall 103
- ARTH 101 - DL1: Introduction to Visual Arts — Julia Wheeler - Online
- ARTH 101 - DL2: Introduction to Visual Arts — Julia Wheeler - Online
ARTH 102: Symbols and Stories in Art (3 Credits)
Introduces themes and imagery in art. Approaches and traditions to explore vary with the instructor. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
2 Sections Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 102 - DL2: Symbols and Stories in Western Art — Laura McCloskey Wolfe - Online
- ARTH 102 - DL1: Symbols and Stories in Western Art — Chris A. Gregg - Online
ARTH 103: Introduction to Architecture (3 Credits)
Introduces study, principle, and understanding of art of architecture. Approach varies with instructor; may be historical, geographical, technical, or thematic. Notes: Field trips required. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 103 - 001: Introduction to Architecture — Lisa Passaglia Bauman — 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM MW - Horizon Hall 3012
ARTH 200: History of Western Art I (3 Credits)
Major periods, monuments, and themes of Western art and architecture. Introduces Washington, D.C., museum collections and a historical framework for further study in art history. Covers prehistory, the ancient world, and the Middle Ages. Notes: Designed as a two-course sequence, but each part may be taken independently without prerequisite. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 200 - 001: History of Western Art I — Heidi Catherine Gearhart — 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM TR
ARTH 201: History of Western Art II (3 Credits)
Major periods, monuments, and themes of Western art and architecture. Introduces Washington, D.C., museum collections and a historical framework for further study in art history. Covers the art of the Renaissance, the baroque period, and modern Europe and the Americas. Notes: Designed as a two-course sequence, but each part may be taken independently without prerequisite. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 201 - DL1: History of Western Art II — Heather M McGuire - Online
ARTH 204: Survey of Latin American Art (3 Credits)
Introduces arts of Latin America from pre-Columbian to modern era. Discusses important examples of painting, sculpture, and architecture in relation to culture and history of region. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 204 - 001: Survey of Latin American Art — Michele Greet — 12:00 PM to 01:15 PM MW - Blue Ridge Hall 129
ARTH 303: National Traditions (1-3 Credits)
Studies traditions of art and architecture within a single selected country or historical region. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 303 - DL1: Visualizing Irish Nationalism — Laura McCloskey Wolfe - Online
ARTH 317: The Black Pharaohs: Art and Archaeology of Ancient Nubia (3 Credits)
Investigates the art and archaeology of the people of ancient Nubia (modern Sudan), who became pharaohs of Ancient Egypt’s 25th Dynasty around 750 BCE. Discusses Nubian cultures in context of state formation, religious change, colonialism, and imperialism. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 317 - DL1: Art and Archaeology Ancient Nubia — Jacquelyn Williamson - Online
ARTH 320: Art of the Islamic World (3 Credits)
Introduction to Islamic art, from the time of Muhammad to present. Cultural and regional approach, utilizing local museum collections. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 320 - 001: Art of the Islamic World: Art of Iran, Central Asia and Turkey, from the Ilkhanids to the Ottomans — Heidi Catherine Gearhart — 03:00 PM to 04:15 PM TR - Art & Design Building L008
ARTH 322: Roman Art and Archaeology (3 Credits)
History of Roman architecture, sculpture, and painting. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 322 - 001: Roman Art — Chris A. Gregg — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM MW - Music Theater Building 1006
ARTH 350: History of Photography (3 Credits)
Development of photography from origins in France in the 19th century to the present. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 350 - DL1: History of Photography — Colleen O'Reilly - Online
ARTH 360: Nineteenth-Century European Art (3 Credits)
Movements from neoclassicism to symbolism discussed in relation to social, cultural, political, and technological changes in Europe. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 360 - 001: Nineteenth-Century European Art — Lisa Passaglia Bauman — 03:00 PM to 04:15 PM MW - Music Theater Building 1006
ARTH 374: Art Now (3 Credits)
Explores visual art production since the late twentieth century. Examines social, institutional, and political issues in recent art. Specific topics and assignments vary with the instructor. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
2 Sections Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 374 - 001: Art Now — Heather M McGuire — 12:00 PM to 01:15 PM TR - Music Theater Building 1007 - Hybrid
- ARTH 374 - 002: Art Now — Heather M McGuire — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM TR - Music Theater Building 1007 - Hybrid
ARTH 385: Arts of Japan (3 Credits)
Art and architecture of Japan, with particular attention to the ways political changes, religious movements, and social developments influenced and shaped those creations. Discusses monuments and artifacts in a variety of media in relation to social and historical contexts. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Global Understanding
Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 385 - DL1: Arts of Japan — Laura McCloskey Wolfe - Online
ARTH 393: Art History Internships (3-6 Credits)
Internship with a professional arts institution, organization, or individual in the Washington, D.C., area. Project to be arranged by student in consultation with faculty instructor and field supervisor. Notes: Strongly recommended for advanced art history students seeking exposure to professional work in visual arts. May be taken for 3 to 6 credits, or repeated for up to 6 credits. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Recommended Prerequisite: Art History major or minor and permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Internship
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 393 - 001: Art History Internships — Jacquelyn Williamson
ARTH 400: Historiography and Methods of Research in Art History (Topic Varies) (3 Credits)
Historical investigation of theories, methods, and critiques involved in the discipline of art history. Approach or focus may vary with instructor. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Writing Intensive in Major
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 302 and 6 credits in art history at the 300 level or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 400 - 001: Methods and Research in Art History — Michele Greet — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - Research Hall 202
ARTH 420: Advanced Studies in Ancient Art (3 Credits)
Studies a particular area of ancient art of the Mediterranean, Near East, or Middle East. Topics may be art form or medium, geographical area, theme, function, or context. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Writing Intensive in Major
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 302 and 6 credits in Art History at the 300 level, or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 420 - 001: Art in the Age of Augustus — Chris A. Gregg — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Innovation Hall 319
ARTH 482: RS: Advanced Studies in Asian Art (3 Credits)
Seminar-style discussions on a specific topic in Asian art. May focus on the art of a particular period, movement, reign, or region, as well as theoretical issues or works in a particular medium. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Writing Intensive in Major
Specialized Designation: Research/Scholarship Intensive, Topic Varies, Non-Western Culture
Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 302, and 3XX-level course in any area of Asian art; or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 482 - 001: Arts of the Indian Ocean World — Deepthi Murali — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R - Innovation Hall 336
ARTH 495: RS: Curating an Exhibit (3 Credits)
Conduct hands-on research with objects or other primary sources. Select particular artifacts or works of art and undertake original research, bringing objects from storage to publication to exhibition. Develop skills in material and visual analysis, critical reading, and academic writing. Focus is on VA/DC/MD libraries, archives, and storerooms. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 9 credits.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Writing Intensive in Major
Specialized Designation: Research/Scholarship Intensive
Recommended Prerequisite: 6 credits of 300-level courses in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and ENGH 302.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 495 - 001: Curating an Exhibition: How Did The Pharaohs Become Pop Icons? — Jacquelyn Williamson — 01:30 PM to 04:10 PM F - Research Hall 202
ARTH 303: National Traditions (1-3 Credits)
Studies traditions of art and architecture within a single selected country or historical region. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 303 - DL1: Visualizing Irish Nationalism — Laura McCloskey Wolfe - Online
ARTH 420: Advanced Studies in Ancient Art (3 Credits)
Studies a particular area of ancient art of the Mediterranean, Near East, or Middle East. Topics may be art form or medium, geographical area, theme, function, or context. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Writing Intensive in Major
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 302 and 6 credits in Art History at the 300 level, or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 420 - 001: Art in the Age of Augustus — Chris A. Gregg — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Innovation Hall 319
ARTH 482: RS: Advanced Studies in Asian Art (3 Credits)
Seminar-style discussions on a specific topic in Asian art. May focus on the art of a particular period, movement, reign, or region, as well as theoretical issues or works in a particular medium. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Writing Intensive in Major
Specialized Designation: Research/Scholarship Intensive, Topic Varies, Non-Western Culture
Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 302, and 3XX-level course in any area of Asian art; or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 482 - 001: Arts of the Indian Ocean World — Deepthi Murali — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R - Innovation Hall 336
Graduate
ARTH 593: Internship in Art History (3-6 Credits)
Internship with a professional arts institution, organization, or individual in the Washington, D.C., area. Project to be arranged by student in consultation with faculty instructor and field supervisor. Notes: Recommended for advanced art history students seeking exposure to professional work in visual arts. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Recommended Prerequisite: BA or equivalent or permission of instructor.
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Internship
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 593 - 001: Intern Art History — Jacquelyn Williamson
ARTH 595: Curating an Exhibit (3 Credits)
Conduct hands-on research with objects or other primary sources. Select particular artifacts or works of art and undertake original research, bringing objects from storage to publication to exhibition. Produce sophisticated material and visual analysis, present original arguments based on independent research, apply and integrate contemporary theories of display and viewership, and produce refined, sophisticated academic writing. Focus is on VA/DC/MD libraries, archives, and storerooms. May be repeated when the topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 595 - 001: Curating an Exhibit — Jacquelyn Williamson — 01:30 PM to 04:10 PM F - Research Hall 202
ARTH 599: Special Topics in Art History (1-6 Credits)
Topics vary. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: Baccalaureate degree or permission of instructor.
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
2 Sections Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 599 - 001: Art in the Age of Augustus — Chris A. Gregg — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Innovation Hall 319
- ARTH 599 - 002: Arts of the Indian Ocean Wrld — Deepthi Murali — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R - Innovation Hall 336
ARTH 600: Methods and Research in Art History (3 Credits)
Investigates theories, methods, and research strategies in discipline of art history. Designed for first-semester students in art history MA program; foundation for further graduate-level work in the program. Offered by History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
Recommended Prerequisite: Admission to the Art History MA program.
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 600 - 001: Methods and Research in ARTH — Michele Greet — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - Research Hall 202
ARTH 599: Special Topics in Art History (1-6 Credits)
Topics vary. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: Baccalaureate degree or permission of instructor.
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
2 Sections Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 599 - 001: Art in the Age of Augustus — Chris A. Gregg — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Innovation Hall 319
- ARTH 599 - 002: Arts of the Indian Ocean Wrld — Deepthi Murali — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R - Innovation Hall 336