History of Art

Academic Programmes

The BS Art History programme at GCUL is a gateway to a world of artistic exploration and understanding. Through this program, students gain invaluable skills to analyze and interpret a wide array of artworks, architecture, and design. With a scope that spans across diverse geographies and historical periods, students delve into the rich tapestry of art production, uncovering its cultural and social influences. The program empowers students to develop a keen eye for visual details and to critically engage with the abundance of images in our digital age.

• Scheme of Studies

Course Code Course Title Credit Hrs. Major/Allied/Compulsory
YEAR 1
SEMESTER I
AH-1101 Introduction to Art History 3 Major
SEMESTER II
AH-1201 Global History of Art 3 Major
YEAR 2
SEMESTER III
AH-2101 Art History: Theories and Methods 3 Major
SEMESTER IV
AH-2201 Material Culture 3 Major
AH-2202 Introduction to Philosophy of Art 3 Major
YEAR 3
SEMESTER V
AH-3101 African Art 3 Major
AH-3102 Early Egyptian Art 3 Major
AH-3103 Early Indian Art 3 Major
AH- Approaches to Cultural History 3 Major
AH-3104 Architecture of the Buddhist Monuments 3 Major
AH-3105 East Asian Art 3 Major
AH-3106 Greek Architecture 3 Major
AH-3107 Greek Art 3 Major
AH-3108 Art and Architecture of Muslim World 3 Major
AH-3109 Roman Architecture 3 Major
AH-3110 South Asian Art 2000BCE-1200CE 3 Major
AH-3111 The Materiality of Late Antiquity 3 Major
AH-3112 War Imagery in Ancient Art 3 Major
AH-3113 Film and Art Education 3 Major
AH-3114 Photography and Art History 3 Major
AH-3115 Exhibition Documentation and Art History 3 Major
AH-3116 Art and Public Space 3 Major
AH-3117 Art and Revolutions 3 Major
AH-3118 Folk Art and Popular Culture 3 Major
AH-3119 Arts and Crafts of South Asia 3 Major
AH-3120 Festivals and Visual Culture 3 Major
AH-3121 Transnational Art Movements 3 Major
AH-3122 Modern Art Institutions 3 Major
AH-3123 Curatorial Internship 3 Major
AH-13124 Identity and Representation in Art 3 Major
AH-3125 Street Art and Graffiti 3 Major
AH-3126 Art and Ecology 3 Major
SEMESTER VI
AH-3201 Philosophy of Art in the Middle Ages 3 Major
AH-3202 Architecture and Landscapes of Early-Modern Islamic Empires 3 Major
AH-3203 Architecture in Medieval Persian World 3 Major
AH-3204 Architecture of the Early Ottoman Empire 3 Major
AH-3205 Early Modern Dress and Fashion 3 Major
AH-3206 Art in Medieval Muslim Kingdoms 3 Major
AH-3207 Indian Paintings 3 Major
AH-3208 Medieval Architecture 3 Major
AH-3209 Andalusian Art and Craft 3 Major
AH-3210 Pre-modern Visual Culture 3 Major
AH-3211 Early Modern Cultural Exchanges through Art 3 Major
AH-3212 South Asia in/and the Global Art History 3 Major
AH-3213 South Asian Art 1200CE-1800 CE 3 Major
AH-3214 Theorizing Early Modern South Asian Art 3 Major
AH-3215 Architecture of Hagia Sophia 3 Major
AH-3216 Visual Culture of the Ottoman Empire 3 Major
YEAR 4
SEMESTER VII
AH-4101 Modern Philosophy of Art 3 Major
AH-4102 Art and Archives 3 Major
AH-4103 Art Histories of Indian Ocean 3 Major
AH-4104 Introduction to Modern Art
AH-4105 Introduction to Contemporary Art 3 Major
AH-4106 Architecture and Literature 3 Major
AH-4107 Art and Literature 3 Major
AH-4108 Politics and Modern Art 3 Major
AH-4109 Renaissance and Baroque Art 3 Major
AH-4110 Ideology and Display 3 Major
AH-4111 Visual Cultures of South Asia 3 Major
SEMESTER VIII
AH-4201 Architecture in the "Museum" 3 Major
AH-4202 Colonial Art Education 3 Major
AH-4203 Digital Media and Art in the 20th Century 3 Major
AH-4204 Gender in South Asian Art 3 Major
AH-4205 Humans, Art and the Natural World 3 Major
AH-4206 History of Cartoons 3 Major
AH-4207 Modern & Contemporary Art of South Asia
AH-4208 Modern Art in the Middle East 3 Major
AH-4209 Science and Practice of Art History 3 Major
AH-4210 Space and Memory in the Chinese, Indian, and Korean Art 3 Major
AH-4211 The Art of Memory and Memorial Culture 3 Major
AH-4212 Visual Representations in Islamic Art 3 Major
AH-4213 Study of a Painter 3 Major
AH-4214 Study of an Architect 3 Major
AH-4215 Study of an Art Movement 3 Major
AH-4216 Study of a Craft Movement 3 Major
AH-4217 Research Dissertation 6 Major

The MPhil Art History programme at GCUL is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in the field. This program offers advanced research and critical analysis opportunities in art history. With a focus on professional development, it explores diverse artistic movements, cultural influences, and interdisciplinary connections. Through rigorous coursework and independent research, students gain a comprehensive understanding of art history, opening doors to careers in academia, curatorial roles, and cultural institutions. The program fosters a deep appreciation for visual culture and nurtures critical thinking, empowering professionals in the dynamic world of art history.

The PhD programme in Art History at GCUL offers exceptional opportunities for advanced research and scholarly growth. With renowned faculty members as mentors, interdisciplinary research options, and access to extensive archival resources and art institutions, students can make original contributions to the field. Graduates emerge as esteemed scholars prepared for academic positions, curatorial roles, and can make impactful contributions to the art historical discourse. Join our program to embark on a transformative intellectual journey that shapes the future of art history.

The Certificate Programmes in Art History at GCUL provide a focused and intensive study of the subject, allowing participants to develop a strong foundation and expertise in specialized areas. With flexible schedules and diverse course offerings, individuals can tailor their learning to their interests and career goals. Taught by experienced faculty members, the programmes offer a stimulating environment for knowledge acquisition. By completing a certificate programme, participants gain a recognized credential that enhances their professional profile, opening doors to diverse career opportunities in the art world.