The art history degree at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, brings a distinctive intellectual slant to the art program by teaching art history majors to think analytically in a visual way.
From their first year at Transylvania, students have intensive guidance and training for doing research. We try really hard to teach them our research methods—methods that are applicable to all fields, not just art history.
Wei Lin, associate professor of art history
The program is also interdisciplinary—in addition to art history courses that cover areas such as ancient, gothic, Renaissance, modern and Asian art, the major may encompass courses from anthropology, history or philosophy. This approach to the study of art history looks at how artists are shaped by historical, political, social and intellectual conditions. The artist is seen as a part of this whole, rather than separate from it.
Transylvania students learn in a global classroom. Study abroad offers travel opportunities for an academic year, a term, a summer or May term. Trips to such cities as Paris, Florence, Rome and London give students access to the art and architecture they study, as well as first-hand experiences they can bring back to campus for further examination. Kenan Grants have funded student research and creative work all over the world, including England, France and Germany.
Internships our Students Have Completed
Artistic coordinator, PRHBTN Street Art Festival
Museum education, University of Kentucky Art Museum
Museum curatorship, University of Kentucky Art Museum
Historic preservation, Bluegrass Trust for Historic Preservation
Historic properties, Henry Clay Estate at Ashland
Special exhibitions, Indianapolis Museum of Art
Where Our Graduates Have Studied
George Washington University
Royal Academy of London
Stony Brook University
SUNY Buffalo
University of Edinburgh
University of Oregon School of Architecture
University of West Virginia
Courses of Special Interest
Arts of Anime
Buddhist Art of Asia
History of Architecture: Classic to Contemporary
Modern and Contemporary Chinese Art
Women in Art
Socially Engaged Art Practices
Possible Career Options
Art conservationist
Arts administrator
City planner
Gallery owner
Graphic designer
Historic preservationist
Interior designer
Museum curator
Publisher
Social worker
Teacher
University professor
Semester Study Abroad Opportunities
Australia I
Australia II
China
Czech Republic
England I
England II
France II
Ireland
Italy
New Zealand
These GlobalTransy programs have at least two courses related to the major.
Interested in studying abroad for a summer? Take a look at our summer study abroad opportunities.
Contacts
Zoé Strecker Associate Professor of Art;
Program Director
(859) 233-8115
Transylvania University
300 North Broadway
Lexington, KY 40508-1797