Program Highlighted | Fine Art History
Introduction by | Professor Michael Koortbojian
Interview with | Duncan Hill
Date | July 2000

Introduction | Undergraduate Coordinator , Professor Michael Koortbojian

The Department of Fine Art comprises two distinctive programs: one in Art History, and another in studio practice, called Visual Studies. Art History offers a wide-ranging group of courses in the Western artistic tradition, from the art of antiquity to that of our own times. Visual Studies courses include both the traditional forms, painting, drawing, printmaking and sculpture, as well as new modes of artistic practice such as video art and performance; there is also an emphasis on recent trends in critical theory and its relationship to the making of works of art. Students are encouraged (and candidates for Specialist degrees are required) to take classes in both of the programs.

Fine Art History courses survey periods from the Bronze Age to the present in the Mediterranean, Europe, and North America. Some range over a broad region and through a long period (e.g. Art and Archaeology of the Prehistoric Aegean), while others are focussed on a particular art form (e.g. Greek Vase Painting), one tradition (e.g. French Art in the Age of the Enlightenment), unique locales (e.g. Fresco Painting in Florence and Siena), a particular style (e.g. Realism), or a single individual (e.g. Michelangelo and the Art of His Time).

A Specialist, Major and Minor program in the History of Art, is available to students. Students in these programs are encouraged to acquire the broad cultural background essential to an understanding of the fine arts. Of particular importance are familiarity with history, the ability to read certain European languages, a knowledge of the various traditions of literature and mythology, and an acquaintance with philosophy.

Courses and a Specialist, Major and Minor program are also offered in Visual Studies. As well, together with Woodsworth College, the Fine Art Department offers degree-credit courses during July and August at the University of Siena, Italy. A city of some 70,000, Siena's architecture, museums and art galleries are of great interest to students of art and civilization. Several scholastic awards and scholarships are available for this program. Many students from the department have pursued careers in commercial or public art galleries or museums. In combination with further training in education, library studies, museum studies or therapy, possible careers include primary and secondary-teaching, placement in libraries and archives, and art therapy.

For further information, please consult the undergraduate office, bulletin boards outside the office, the department web site, the Undergraduate Handbook, or the Fine Art Student Union.

Interview | Duncan Hill

Duncan is a fourth year, Innis College Fine Art History student. For the complete interview click here.

For furher information about the program in University of Toronto and beyond, click here.