Art is all around us, not just in museums or galleries, and through classes in art history students sharpen their perception of visual images in a world where ideas and information are increasingly communicated through visual media.  

Art is often regarded as concrete evidence of the human desire to communicate. In Art History we investigate this evidence, from building to bowl, cave painting to contemporary performance art, with a concern for form, meaning and cultural context.

The Winthrop University Art History Program provides courses covering the arts of the world, from Africa to Europe, and Asia to the Americas.  An Undergraduate can major or minor in art history and any student interested in music, literature, psychology, anthropology, politics and many other areas will find a complement to these subjects in art history.

Our Bachelor of Arts in Art History degree is designed to produce a well-rounded graduate, prepared for a variety of career options.    Students study in small classes within the context of an outstanding fine arts university.  Critical thinking, research, writing and speaking skills are cultivated at Winthrop University.  Art History majors are encouraged to take studio art classes to gain experience in the techniques of making art.  Study abroad opportunities and courses with a travel component are offered annually. Through internships and museum practice courses, our undergraduates gain professional experience for the job market.  A variety of student organizations and symposia also offer opportunities for students to hone their professional skills.

Career possibilities for Art History majors include, but are not limited to, gallery and museum curatorial work, arts administration, publishing, teaching, library science with multi-media specialization, and further graduate study.

Art History Activities


Contact information

Dr. Laura Dufresne                                                                                                                       
102 McLaurin Hall                                                                                                                    
Winthrop University                                                                                                                  
Rock Hill, SC  29733, USA                                                                                                              
Phone: (803) 323-2661
E-mail: dufresnel@winthrop.edu