In form, and in the history of form, it was believed, something like universal truths could be discovered. German art history had long been an interdisciplinary field, informed by sociology, economics, philosophy and linguistics, history, and especially philosophy. These historians introduced a theoretical and social historical approach to the formalist tradition in America, and art history ever since has been defined by both approaches, for many years in opposition to one another, but more recently in at least courteous coexistence. Gender studies, and the expressions of ethnic, marginalized, and non-European traditions have become increasingly important areas of study. The understanding of visual culture and the history of visual literacy are today art history's true domain.
Art history is taught in one of two ways today.
The institution you choose may have an art history department, or art history may be part of the fine arts department. Job opportunities in the field, however, remain relatively slim. As museums feel the pressure of decreased public funding, fewer curatorial positions are available. There are some opportunities in the private sector with galleries, but the wisest approach is to be versatile with your education. Students seeking jobs in the private sector should think about minoring in business, with a marketing and accounting emphasis.