These more advanced courses are designed to give concentrators an awareness of the critical strategies available for interpretation of historical and cultural phenomena, and to foster research skills. The concentration totals eight courses. Students may receive concentration credit for two of these courses. Two years of foreign language study are required for concentrators because foreign language skills are essential for pursuing art historical studies in a professional environment or graduate school. Because the history of art and architecture addresses issues of practice within specific historical contexts, concentrators are strongly encouraged to take at least one studio art course as well as courses in history that pertain to their area of emphasis.
Study abroad can be a valuable enrichment of the academic work available on campus.
It offers opportunities for first-hand knowledge of works of art and monuments as well as providing exposure to foreign languages and cultures. Study abroad should be planned in consultation with the concentration advisor in order to make certain that foreign course work will relate meaningfully to the concentrator's program of study. These credits will be counted as lecture courses, not seminars. The only exception to the two course limitation pertains to transfer students admitted to Brown before the junior year, who are permitted to transfer four credits toward the concentration. Courses are taught on three levels.