University of Toronto

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Art History at the University of Toronto offers a comprehensive exploration of the history of art, architecture, and visual culture from ancient times to contemporary practices. This four-year on-campus program emphasizes research, critical thinking, and engagement with various artworks and ideas, preparing students for diverse career paths in the arts and beyond.

What you'll study

The program is structured around a combination of lecture courses, seminar discussions, and research-focused activities that foster a deep understanding of art-historical inquiry. Students will engage with major themes and chronological periods through a variety of courses.

Typical course themes include:

• Monuments of Art History
• Art and Ideas
• Public Art: Local and Global
• On Foot: From Pilgrimage to the Mobile City
• Marco Polo’s World
• Classical Art from Greek Gods to Roman Gladiators
• Shocking Artists, Shocking Art
• Architecture of Toronto
• Clay: A Material and Visual History
• Prehistoric Aegean and East Mediterranean Art and Archaeology
• Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology
• Heroes of the Classical World

Learning outcomes:

• Develop advanced skills in art-historical research and argumentation
• Enhance methods for analyzing visual and material evidence
• Complete an Honours-level research component, such as a substantial research paper or equivalent project

Students have the opportunity to tailor their degrees by selecting elective courses across various periods and regions, including ancient, medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, modern, contemporary, and architecture-focused options, subject to prerequisites and availability.

Entry requirements

Admission to the program is competitive and based on academic performance and the overall application. Specific GPA, GRE, or GMAT requirements are not detailed for this program. Prospective students should ensure they meet the general admission criteria set by the University.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Art History can pursue various career paths, including roles in museums, galleries, cultural institutions, education, art conservation, and research. The strong analytical and critical thinking skills developed during the program equip students to succeed in a wide range of fields related to art and culture.