As an art history student at UMass Amherst, it is crucial to develop a wide range of skills to excel in the field. The art history program at UMass Amherst is renowned for its rigorous curriculum, esteemed faculty, and research opportunities. To succeed in this program, students must acquire essential skills that will enable them to analyze, interpret, and contextualize artworks from various periods and cultures. In this article, we will discuss the 10 essential skills that UMass Amherst art history students need to develop this year.
Foundational Skills
To lay the groundwork for a successful art history career, students must develop strong foundational skills. These skills include critical thinking, research methods, and visual analysis. Critical thinking enables students to evaluate artworks, identify patterns, and draw meaningful conclusions. Research methods provide students with the tools to conduct thorough investigations, analyze primary sources, and synthesize information. Visual analysis allows students to carefully examine artworks, identify key elements, and interpret their significance.
Visual Analysis and Art Historical Context
UMass Amherst art history students must develop their visual analysis skills to examine artworks from various periods and cultures. This involves iconography, the study of symbols, themes, and motifs in art. By analyzing artworks within their art historical context, students can gain a deeper understanding of the social, cultural, and historical factors that influenced their creation. For example, a student analyzing Frida Kahlo鈥檚 Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird (1940) must consider the artist鈥檚 Mexican heritage, her experiences as a woman, and the cultural significance of the symbols and motifs depicted in the painting.
| Art Historical Period | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Renaissance | Classical influences, humanism, realism |
| Baroque | Dramatic lighting, intense emotions, highly ornamented |
| Modern | Experimentation, abstraction, rejection of traditional techniques |
Communication and Writing Skills
Effective communication and writing skills are essential for art history students. They must be able to clearly articulate their ideas, analyze complex artworks, and write persuasive arguments. UMass Amherst art history students can develop these skills by writing research papers, participating in class discussions, and engaging in debates about art historical topics. For instance, a student writing a research paper on Claude Monet鈥檚 Impression, Sunrise (1872) must clearly explain the painting鈥檚 significance, analyze its composition and technique, and argue for its importance in the development of Impressionism.
Research and Methodology
UMass Amherst art history students must develop their research skills to conduct thorough investigations of art historical topics. This involves archival research, the study of primary sources such as letters, diaries, and other documents. By analyzing these sources, students can gain a deeper understanding of the historical context in which artworks were created. For example, a student researching Georgia O鈥橩eeffe鈥檚 Black Iris (1926) can examine the artist鈥檚 letters and diaries to understand her inspirations, creative process, and artistic decisions.
- Develop a research question or hypothesis
- Conduct a thorough literature review
- Analyze primary sources and data
- Draw meaningful conclusions and make recommendations
What skills do UMass Amherst art history students need to develop to succeed in the field?
+UMass Amherst art history students need to develop a range of skills, including critical thinking, research methods, visual analysis, communication, and writing. They must also be able to analyze complex artworks, write persuasive arguments, and conduct thorough research investigations.
How can UMass Amherst art history students develop their visual analysis skills?
+UMass Amherst art history students can develop their visual analysis skills by examining artworks from various periods and cultures, analyzing their composition, technique, and symbolism, and considering their art historical context. They can also benefit from visiting museums and galleries, such as the Mead Art Museum on campus.
Additional Essential Skills
In addition to the skills mentioned earlier, UMass Amherst art history students must develop digital literacy, cultural competence, and professionalism. Digital literacy involves understanding how to use digital tools and technologies to analyze and present artworks. Cultural competence requires students to be aware of the cultural significance and context of artworks from diverse periods and cultures. Professionalism involves developing strong work habits, meeting deadlines, and engaging in respectful and constructive dialogue with peers and instructors.
Digital Tools and Technologies
UMass Amherst art history students can benefit from using digital tools and technologies to analyze and present artworks. For example, they can use digital imaging software to examine high-resolution images of artworks, virtual reality platforms to explore three-dimensional models of artworks, and online databases to research and analyze art historical data. By leveraging these digital tools and technologies, students can develop new insights and perspectives on artworks and contribute to the advancement of art historical knowledge.
In conclusion, UMass Amherst art history students need to develop a range of essential skills to succeed in the field. These skills include critical thinking, research methods, visual analysis, communication, writing, digital literacy, cultural competence, and professionalism. By acquiring these skills, students can analyze and interpret artworks from various periods and cultures, conduct thorough research investigations, and contribute to the advancement of art historical knowledge. With the support of the UMass Amherst art history faculty and resources, students can develop these essential skills and achieve their academic and professional goals.
