Art History
A.A. Art History · Napa Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog
This degree provides students a strong foundation in European and non-European visual culture, from pre-history to the contemporary period. Upon successful completion students will be able to pursue a baccalaureate degree at a public or private university. Advanced degrees in Art History prepare students for jobs in museums, galleries, auction houses, or teaching and research at colleges and universities. To fulfill the requirements for this degree, students will complete the required and elective courses as outlined below and work with a counselor to determine the appropriate pattern of general education courses.
Career Opportunities
Museums/Galleries--Curators, Collections Management, Exhibition Design, Events Planning, Image Rights and Reproduction Education--Primary and Secondary Teaching, College/University teaching, Visual Resources Curating Art Sales-Antiques dealing and appraisal, Art authentication, Gallery Sales Business--Corporate Collection-Management, Market Research, Product Development, Website Development Travel and Tourism--Tour Guide/cultural ambassadors for domestic and foreign cities, tour guides for Cruises, Resorts, Hotels
Program Learning Outcomes
- Recognize works of art and architecture from diverse historic periods and geographic areas.
- Employ both observational skills and deductive reasoning to understand art and architecture as forms operating within a specific historical, political, philosophical, or religious context.
- Through written and oral communication, discern the ways in which specific works of art and architecture relate to one another (comparison/contrast) and to other forms of visual culture.
Degree Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses (9 units) | ||
| ARTH-C1100 | Survey of Art from Prehistory to the Medieval Era | 3 |
| ARTH-C1200 | Survey of Art from the Renaissance to Contemporary | 3 |
| ARTH-130 | History of Asian Art | 3 |
| orARTH-145 | Art of the Ancient Americas | |
| Required Electives (9 units) | ||
| Complete 3 courses from the following: | 9 | |
| ARTH-110 | History of Graphic Design | |
| ARTH-118 | Survey of Modern Art | |
| ARTH-130 | History of Asian Art 1 | |
| ARTH-145 | Art of the Ancient Americas | |
| ARTH-180 | History of Photography | |
| orPHOT-180 | History of Photography | |
| ARTS-101 | 2D Foundations | |
| ARTH-101 | Introduction to Visual Culture | |
| HIST-122 | World History 1 | |
| HIST-123 | World History 2 | |
| Total Units | 18 | |
- If not already completed from required core courses.
To receive an Associate Degree, students must complete 60 degree applicable semester units with a grade point average of at least 2.0. Students must also complete the NVC General Education pattern and the Health, Wellness and Self Development graduation requirement to earn an Associate degree. Consultation with a Counselor is highly encouraged to ensure all requirements are met.