Degree Programs

Majors

Studio art

The studio art major teaches visual acuity and creativity in leading to the development of a personal vocabulary in a body of work that culminates in the senior thesis exhibition. At the foundational level, students are introduced to the range of studio art mediums followed by more focused coursework in the student's area of interest at the intermediate level. Senior-year studio seminar courses provide the capstone experience for artistic professional development.

Program Outcomes

Hope College students completing a studio art degree will:

• Practice open and curious exploration, self-reflection and revision
• Apply the skills and techniques of various disciplines in studio art
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate about art 
• Demonstrate professionalism in presenting oneself and one’s work
• Identify connections between form and content
  
  View full studio art description in the catalog 

Art history

The art history major provides students with an in-depth study of the history of the visual arts using objects of study as well as primary and secondary sources. Students begin with an introductory-level course that provides an overview of art history, then move into intermediate courses with more specific topics and focuses before culminating in a senior-year capstone in which a senior thesis is written.

Program Outcomes

Hope College students completing an art history degree will:

• Apply discipline-specific research and writing skills with the appropriate use of primary and secondary sources
• Demonstrate the ability to articulate and sustain a clear argument both in written assignments and orally
• Analyze the formal qualities of a work of art, as well as the iconography and context
• Formulate research-driven, independent scholarly writing using specific art historical methods of inquiry
• Identify major artists, works, methods, and definitions throughout art’s global history, thinking critically about the broader political, social, religious and economic contexts

View full art history description in the catalog 

Art education

In partnership with the Hope College Department of Education, the Department of Art and Art History offers a secondary track visual arts education teaching major (grades K–12) through the State of Michigan. This program is aligned with the other majors within the department to provide the student with both art history and experience with studio practice that leads to the culminating senior thesis exhibition.  

View full art education description in the catalog 

Art history and Language

Many students choose to pair their art history major with the study of a foreign language; one popular choice is art history and French. This can be a highly advantageous choice when considering one's future career or path to higher education. Students may also choose to study abroad, which can greatly benefit both majors. If you are interested in pursuing this double major, speak with professors in both departments and contact your advisor.

View full art history and French description in the catalog 

Art history and studio art

Some art students choose to double major in both art history and studio art. This may be an advantageous choice, as the two majors are mutually beneficial and there is some overlap in course requirements. If you are interested in pursuing this double major, contact the Department of Art and Art History for more information or speak with your advisor.

Minors

Studio art

The studio art minor combines courses in art, including at least four credits above the 100 studio level, along with a selection of elective courses.

View full studio art minor description in the catalog 

Art history

The art history minor features a concentration of upper-level art history classes along with at least one studio art course. 

View full art history minor description in the catalog 

Forms for majors and minors

• Art 499 Internship Proposal Form 
• Artistic Intent – Studio Art
• Artistic Intent – Art Education
• Art History Advising Plan 
  
• Art History major/minor substitution study abroad policy

Junior review packet information

• Junior Review Rubric
• Junior Review Form – Studio
• Junior Review Form – Art Education