Art History
Understand the context behind culture.
Why art history matters:
Art reflects the world — and shapes it. By studying visual culture, students uncover how power, identity, belief, and resistance are encoded in everything from sacred objects to political posters. Art history builds critical tools for navigating image-saturated worlds with insight and intention.
How art history is taught at Muhlenberg:
The art history curriculum combines historical surveys with focused courses on specific periods and themes. Students learn to interpret art in its social and political context, often pursuing internships or independent research in museums, archives, or galleries. Small classes and faculty mentorship support deep visual literacy, academic growth, and creative expression.
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Art history majors begin with an introductory course and a geographic survey, then choose from a range of advanced electives that explore art and visual culture across different periods, regions, and media. Courses balance historical breadth with in-depth analysis and are designed to build critical thinking and visual literacy through writing, discussion, and research.
Art history students at Muhlenberg deepen their studies through hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to the professional world. Many pursue internships in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, gaining insight into curatorial work, collections management, and public engagement.
Students can also design independent research or reading projects in close collaboration with faculty mentors, sharpening their analytical and writing skills while exploring topics that align with their academic or career interests.
These opportunities support a deeper understanding of how art functions in society and help prepare students for graduate study, museum careers, and other paths where visual literacy and critical analysis are essential.
Muhlenberg set me up for success by teaching me the power of words, images and transdisciplinary thinking — and giving me the experiences to put that thinking into practice.
Kristen Yngve ’00, an art and English double major, has spent decades collaborating with clients on branding and design via her own creative agency.
Powerful Outcomes
A Muhlenberg education sets you up for success. The liberal arts will hone your ability to think critically, communicate, and problem-solve, skills that are in high demand across all employment sectors.
Art Department News
Mark Grasso ’98 Has Had a Whale of a Career
Grasso, who was an art major at Muhlenberg, carves wooden sea creatures and sells them from his Asbury Park, New Jersey, storefront.
Read MoreSummer Whitley
Summer Whitley ’24 is a studio art and computer science double major and art history minor from Hazleton, Pennsylvania.
Read MoreHands-On Internship Opens Doors to Grad School
Working at the Allentown Art Museum gave Yuyang (Hector) Chen ’23 valuable experience he will carry into a master’s program in art business.
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