The Art History program has an extensive Visual Resource collection of slides and digital images which are used in teaching. In addition, students pursuing research at Kendall's library have full access to holdings at the Ferris State University library as well as all other Michigan libraries (including inter-library loans).

More in our Facilities Directory

Educator, gallery or museum curator, art critic, art/antique dealer, art librarian, appraiser, archivist.

more about Art History careers

• Art History / Studio

  • Supportive Studio

    • 2D Design (3)

      KCPA 110

      A problem-solving course covering the principles of composition and modular design systems. Uses predominantly abstract shapes, and black, white, and achromatic gray ranges. (Students who have earned credit for VISC 110, Design I, may not use credit earned in KCPA 110 to meet graduation requirements.)

    • 3D Design (3)

      KCSF 111

      To explore the elements, principles and aesthetic concepts integral to three-dimensional design and to consider relationships between concept, process, materials, tools and technical skills. (Students who have earned credit for ARTS 120, 3-D Design, may not use credit earned in KCSF 111 to meet graduation requirements.)

    • Color (3)

      KCPA 112

      A problem-solving course that studies the properties and interactions of color and its resulting perceptual effects in pictorial space.

    • Drawing I (3)

      KCDR 131

      The process of drawing as observation and conceptualization through eye-hand coordination. Emphasizes linear construction with concern for accurate proportion and simple positive-negative/figure-ground relationships. Includes an in-depth study of linear perspective. (Students who have earned credit for VISC 112, Drawing I, may not use credit earned in KCDR 131 to meet graduation requirements.)

    • Drawing II (3)

      KCDR 132

      Emphasis on development of convincing illusion of three-dimensional objects, through the combined use of line, value, proportion, and composition. This course focuses on the further refinement of the concepts, processes, and techniques introduced in Drawing I. Expanded exploration of perspective, composition, color investigation, media exploration, and idea development within traditional subject matter will be emphasized.

    • Figure Drawing I (3)

      KCDR 221

      Emphasizes precise linear construction and structural aspects of the figure. Anatomical focus is on skeletal structure and its effect on surface form. Tonal construction introduced late in the semester.

  • Liberal Arts and Sciences

    Language I Elective (3)
    Language II Elective (3)
    Literature Elective (6)
    Religion Elective (3)
    Social Science Elective (6)
    Math Elective (3)
    Science Elective (3)
    (At least 50% of LAS courses must be 300 level or above.)

    • Written Rhetoric (3)

      KCHU 120

      Written Rhetoric provides students with practice in the art of writing well. Students who successfully complete the course will demonstrate competence in critical thought and expression and in the composition of expository prose. They will use writing both as a tool for discovery and communication, and they will shape their communication in response to audience and purpose. (Students who have earned credit for ENGL 150, English I, may not use credit earned in KCHU 120 to meet graduation requirements.)

    • Oral Rhetoric (3)

      KCHU 121

      Oral Rhetoric provides students with the skills and confidence needed to speak effectively in formal presentations. Course concentrations include the examination and practice of oral rhetoric, building on skills in common with Written Rhetoric. (Students who have earned credit for COMM 121, Fundamentals of Public Speaking, may not use credit earned in KCHU 121 to meet graduation requirements.)

    • Introduction to Philosophy (3)

      KCHU 228

      Introduces philosophical thought from ancient times to the present. Topics include ethics, metaphysics, art, religion, politics, and social behavior. (Students who have earned credit for HUMN 115, Introduction to Philosophy, may not use credit earned in KCHU 228 to meet graduation requirements.)

    • Mythology (3)

      KCHU 324

      Studies world myths from ancient civilization to the present, their singular and comparative values, their impact on knowledge and culture, and our reassessment of them in light of our current concepts and knowledge of the world.

    • Aesthetics (3)

      KCHU 323

      An exploration of the philosophical nature of beauty, art, and taste.

    • Advanced Rhetoric (3)

      KCHU 320

      Advanced Rhetoric provides students with practice in analyzing, developing, and organizing various forms of persuasive discourse, including written, oral, and visual. Building on the skills developed in the two prerequisites, students apply their understanding of rhetorical concepts to the study of various social issues and cultural texts.

  • Major Studio

    Non-Western Art History (6)
    Electives (AH 200, 300, 400) (12)
    Seminars (AH 400 Level) (9)

    • Western Art I: Prehistoric through the Renaissance (3)

      KCAH 111

      An overview of the Western Art tradition from prehistory through the Renaissance using a socio-cultural methodology in a chronological framework. (Students who have earned credit for ARTH 110, Prehistoric through Middle Ages, may not use credit earned in KCAH 111 to meet graduation requirements.)

    • Western Art II: Baroque to the Present (3)

      KCAH 112

      A survey of Western art from the Baroque to the present, this course will continue building upon the foundation of Western Art I; prehistoric through the renaissance, using a socio-cultural methodology in a chronological framework. (Students who have earned credit for ARTH 111, Renaissance through 20th Century, may not use credit earned in KCAH 112 to meet graduation requirements.)

    • Modern Art and Modernism (3)

      KCAH 311

      An examination of the concept of Modernism and how it is expressed in Western art and architecture from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century.. (Students who have earned credit for ARTH 310, History of Twentieth Century Art, may not use credit earned in KCAH 311.)

    • History of Architecture in the United States (3)

      KCAH 322

      An examination of architectural traditions in the United States, including the diverse cultural influences and regions encompassing its history from prehistory to the present.

    • Contemporary Art (3)

      KCAH 317

      An in-depth study of fine art and theory from 1960 to the present

    • American Realism (3)

      KCAH 319

      A critical examination of realism in the art of the United States from Colonial times to the present.

  • Studio Electives

    Studio Electives (12)

• Art History / Academic

  • Liberal Arts and Sciences

    Language I Elective (3)
    Language II Elective (3)
    Literature Elective (6)
    Social Science Elective (6)
    Math Elective (3)
    Science Elective (3)
    (At least 50% of LAS courses must be 300 level or above.)

    • Written Rhetoric (3)

      KCHU 120

      Written Rhetoric provides students with practice in the art of writing well. Students who successfully complete the course will demonstrate competence in critical thought and expression and in the composition of expository prose. They will use writing both as a tool for discovery and communication, and they will shape their communication in response to audience and purpose. (Students who have earned credit for ENGL 150, English I, may not use credit earned in KCHU 120 to meet graduation requirements.)

    • Oral Rhetoric (3)

      KCHU 121

      Oral Rhetoric provides students with the skills and confidence needed to speak effectively in formal presentations. Course concentrations include the examination and practice of oral rhetoric, building on skills in common with Written Rhetoric. (Students who have earned credit for COMM 121, Fundamentals of Public Speaking, may not use credit earned in KCHU 121 to meet graduation requirements.)

    • Introduction to Philosophy (3)

      KCHU 228

      Introduces philosophical thought from ancient times to the present. Topics include ethics, metaphysics, art, religion, politics, and social behavior. (Students who have earned credit for HUMN 115, Introduction to Philosophy, may not use credit earned in KCHU 228 to meet graduation requirements.)

    • Mythology (3)

      KCHU 324

      Studies world myths from ancient civilization to the present, their singular and comparative values, their impact on knowledge and culture, and our reassessment of them in light of our current concepts and knowledge of the world.

    • Introduction to World Religions (3)

      KCHU 227

      An objective comparative survey of the history, doctrines, ethical codes, myths, and rituals of major world religions, including, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. (Students who have earned credit for HUMN 227, Western Religions, may not use credit earned in KCHU 227 to meet graduation requirements.)

    • Aesthetics (3)

      KCHU 323

      An exploration of the philosophical nature of beauty, art, and taste.

    • Advanced Rhetoric (3)

      KCHU 320

      Advanced Rhetoric provides students with practice in analyzing, developing, and organizing various forms of persuasive discourse, including written, oral, and visual. Building on the skills developed in the two prerequisites, students apply their understanding of rhetorical concepts to the study of various social issues and cultural texts.

  • Major Studio

    Non-Western Art History (6)
    Architecture History (3)
    Electives (AH 200, 300, 400) (12)
    Seminars (AH 400 Level) (9)

    • Western Art I: Prehistoric through the Renaissance (3)

      KCAH 111

      An overview of the Western Art tradition from prehistory through the Renaissance using a socio-cultural methodology in a chronological framework. (Students who have earned credit for ARTH 110, Prehistoric through Middle Ages, may not use credit earned in KCAH 111 to meet graduation requirements.)

    • Western Art II: Baroque to the Present (3)

      KCAH 112

      A survey of Western art from the Baroque to the present, this course will continue building upon the foundation of Western Art I; prehistoric through the renaissance, using a socio-cultural methodology in a chronological framework. (Students who have earned credit for ARTH 111, Renaissance through 20th Century, may not use credit earned in KCAH 112 to meet graduation requirements.)

    • Modern Art and Modernism (3)

      KCAH 311

      An examination of the concept of Modernism and how it is expressed in Western art and architecture from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century.. (Students who have earned credit for ARTH 310, History of Twentieth Century Art, may not use credit earned in KCAH 311.)

    • Contemporary Art (3)

      KCAH 317

      An in-depth study of fine art and theory from 1960 to the present

    • American Realism (3)

      KCAH 319

      A critical examination of realism in the art of the United States from Colonial times to the present.

  • Historic Preservation or LAS Minor

    Electives (15)
    (All LAS minor courses must be at the 200 level or above.)

  • LAS Minor, LAS or Studio Electives

    LAS Minor, LAS or Studio Electives (15)

Download the catalog for the most recent course listings and prerequisites.