As an art history student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, developing strong writing skills is essential for success in the field. Art history requires a unique blend of analytical, critical, and creative writing skills, which can be honed through a variety of courses. Here are 12 complete courses that UMass Amherst art history students can take to improve their writing skills, categorized by their focus on critical thinking, research methods, and creative expression.
Foundational Courses
These courses provide a solid foundation in writing and research skills, essential for art history students. They cover the basics of academic writing, including structure, style, and tone, and introduce students to research methodologies in the field.
Introduction to Art Historical Writing
This course focuses on the fundamentals of art historical writing, including analytical essays, research papers, and exhibition reviews. Students learn to develop their writing style, structure, and tone, and to analyze and interpret artworks and exhibitions.
Research Methods in Art History
This course introduces students to the research methodologies used in art history, including archival research, visual analysis, and historiography. Students learn to design and conduct research projects, and to evaluate and synthesize sources.
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Art Historical Writing | Develops writing skills in art historical analysis and research |
| Research Methods in Art History | Introduces research methodologies in art history |
| Art History Survey | Covers the major periods and styles of art history |
Intermediate Courses
These courses build on the foundational courses, providing students with more advanced training in writing and research skills. They focus on specialized topics in art history, such as modern art, contemporary art, and art and architecture.
Modern Art: 1900-1945
This course explores the modern art movement, including Fauvism, Cubism, and Surrealism. Students learn to analyze and interpret modern artworks, and to write about their historical and cultural context.
Contemporary Art: 1945-Present
This course examines the contemporary art scene, including Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and Postmodernism. Students learn to write about contemporary artworks, and to analyze their cultural and historical significance.
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Modern Art: 1900-1945 | Explores the modern art movement |
| Contemporary Art: 1945-Present | Examines the contemporary art scene |
| Art and Architecture | Studies the relationship between art and architecture |
Advanced Courses
These courses provide students with advanced training in writing and research skills, focusing on specialized topics in art history. They include seminars and independent studies, which allow students to pursue their own research interests.
Seminar in Art Historical Writing
This course is a seminar that focuses on advanced art historical writing, including dissertations, articles, and book reviews. Students learn to develop their writing style, and to analyze and interpret complex artworks and exhibitions.
Independent Study in Art History
This course allows students to pursue their own research interests in art history, under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Students learn to design and conduct research projects, and to write about their findings.
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Seminar in Art Historical Writing | Focuses on advanced art historical writing |
| Independent Study in Art History | Allows students to pursue their own research interests |
| Art History Thesis | Requires students to write a thesis on a topic in art history |
Elective Courses
In addition to the required courses, UMass Amherst art history students can take a range of elective courses to improve their writing skills. These courses include creative writing, technical writing, and visual arts.
Creative Writing
This course introduces students to the basics of creative writing, including fiction, poetry, and playwriting. Students learn to develop their writing style, and to write about their own experiences and observations.
Technical Writing
This course focuses on technical writing, including reports, proposals, and manuals. Students learn to write clearly and concisely, and to communicate complex information to different audiences.
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Creative Writing | Introduces students to creative writing |
| Technical Writing | Focuses on technical writing |
| Visual Arts | Studies the visual arts, including painting, sculpture, and photography |
What are the most important writing skills for art history students to develop?
+The most important writing skills for art history students to develop are critical thinking, research methods, and creative expression. Students should learn to analyze and interpret artworks and exhibitions, and to write about their historical and cultural context.
How can UMass Amherst art history students improve their writing skills?
+UMass Amherst art history students can improve their writing skills by taking a range of courses that focus on critical thinking, research methods, and creative expression. Students should also practice writing regularly, and seek feedback from instructors and peers.
What are some common challenges that art history students face when writing about art?
+Common challenges that art history students face when writing about art include analyzing and interpreting complex artworks and exhibitions, developing a clear and concise writing style, and communicating complex information to different audiences.
