The University of St. Thomas
Art History Department

The arts and architecture shape the way that we see and understand the world. Looking at art means more than looking at pretty pictures; it means that one is looking at a person's and a culture's vision of the spiritual, of the everyday world, and of the society that link us together. Art history truly embodies the study of the liberal arts by considering the work of art and architecture within its broader cultural context, including religion, economic production, politics, gender and social identification.

The Art History Department at St. Thomas seeks to explore the many dimensions of art in a broad range of periods and worldwide cultures. The courses and faculty of the department prompt students to become investigators, learning to ask and answer questions about art, from pottery to painting, from bronzes to buildings. Students are encouraged to conduct independent research and to present their findings to a broader audience, and
to make art accessible inside and outside of the classroom.