• 24 required credit hours

The Curatorial Studies certificate introduces students to the theory and practice to curate art. This certificate will provide the initial stage of preparation for further study at the graduate level. In addition to all the requirements for a BA in Art or those of a BFA with studio emphasis, art majors can attain the Curatorial Studies certificate by successfully completing the following courses.

Course Requirements

Course Listings

ART 2212 Art, Business, and Visual Culture (3)

This course introduces the relationships between art and business and visual culture. Issues relating to the designing, making, commodification, and distribution of visual culture will be considered. Students will be familiarized with historical and contemporary models of patronage, sponsorship, and marketing of visual culture. Prerequisite: Students without portfolio admission to the department with permission of the chair.

ART 2360 Introduction to Curatorial Studies (3)

This course examines what it means to be a “curator” and the topics that are influencing current curatorial strategies. Emphasis will be placed on the study of active professionals referencing local, national, and international exhibitions. Field trips to art institutions will encourage developing links with gallery and museum curators; managers and directors; writers and critics.

ART 4020 Visual Arts Seminar (3)

This seminar course will investigate historical and contemporary concepts of art-making, concentrating on the individual development of the artists. It examines issues and practices that relate to managing an artist’s studio and career, including: both critical and proposal writing, documenting work, personal promotion and legal issues of the profession. This course emphasizes theoretical readings and critical inquiry regarding the individual’s art practice as it relates to issues of politics, identities, technology, commodity, etc. Required of all BFA and BA in Studio Art students, open as an elective to senior level art history and art education majors with permission of instructor. Offered Fall semesters. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing, minimum 18 credit hours taken at Webster University, successful passing of Art Major Acceptance Review (ART 2900).

ART 4800 Apprenticeships in Art (1-6)

Practical professional experiences in art under the supervision of a practicing professional or within a functioning studio. Prerequisites: advanced standing art majors and permission of instructor.

ARHS 2350 Introductory Topics in Art History (3)

Introduces basic themes and topics in art history and criticism. Topics will include various approaches and issues relating to the study of art history, the curating and collecting of art, artists' biographies, introduction to art movement, and art in corporate settings. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

ARHS 4730 Art Theory and Criticism (3)

ART theory provides the terminology and theoretical basis necessary for the scholarly investigation and elucidation of specific works of art. This class considers the theoretical issues and related historical framework that come together in the critical interpretation of art. Contemporary approaches to art criticism are a major focus. Prerequisites: ARHS 2200 and ARHS 2210.

MNGT 2100 Management Theory and Practices (3)

This course presents a broad view of management theory and practices, classical to modern. It examines the basic management functions of planning, organizing, directing and controlling. It also covers such issues as ethical decision making and social responsibility, innovation, globalization, and working with a diverse work force.

PHIL 3120 Philosophy and Art (3)

Raises philosophical issues surrounding the activities of producing and appreciating works of art. Sample topics: the theory of art, the relationship between art and other human institutions, standards of judgment in art, how works of art are meaningful and true, and the relationship between judgments of value in art and judgments of moral worth.

WRIT 2090 Writing in the Workplace (3)

Students will improve overall communication skills while learning the basic forms and conventions of workplace writing. Assignments will include memos and letters responding to a variety of rhetorical situations (e.g., informative, persuasive, negative), job application letters and résumés, a short report, and an oral presentation. The course will emphasize the planning and drafting process and include peer response workshops.

HIST 2000 Social History (3)

Course concentrates on the way ordinary people lived in different times and places and their values, customs, beliefs, and social institutions. Content varies (e.g., the social history of war, crime, labor, popular ideas). May be repeated for credit if content differs.