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A passion for art extends beyond words. By studying art history, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of all art forms, both past and present. You can use this knowledge to expand your horizons or as a springboard for a career in the arts.

Why study art history at CapU?

Our world is understood through images. Studying art history gives you the ability to evaluate and interpret all works of art. You’ll gain the tools to critique the art forms you’ll find in museums, galleries and daily life.

Artistic techniques are constantly changing. By exploring the works of artists such as Van Gogh or Michelangelo, we can gain a deeper appreciation of art on a technical level. Understanding the techniques of the masters can also help you chart a path for artistic innovation.

Become knowledgeable. Be inspired.

At CapU you’ll investigate the many functions of art in our society, through a variety of genres and media. You’ll learn how to pinpoint artistic influences in films, ads and propaganda. You’ll also come to understand the fundamental role art plays in culture and politics.

Our courses incorporate group discussions, high-definition illustrated lectures and written research assignments. Through field trips, you’ll step outside campus to explore our artistic world.

Career paths in art history

Our courses provide a wide-ranging overview of art topics and history, preparing students for careers in many related fields of study and practice.

Visual literacy is key to critical thinking. This skill is applicable to many types of employment, but art history is the springboard for careers in museum and curatorial work, restoration work and teaching art history. Other examples of related careers include antiques appraiser, art dealer, art critic, art historian or museum archivist.

Related programs

Art history courses can be applied to many CapU programs, including:  

Art history courses

We offer a diverse range of lower- and upper-level courses covering a range of locations and eras, from pre-historic times to the present. This includes the foundational survey courses required to transfer to other post-secondary institutions. 

Related programs

Art history courses can be applied to many CapU programs, including:  

Art history courses

We offer a diverse range of lower- and upper-level courses covering a range of locations and eras, from pre-historic times to the present. This includes the foundational survey courses required to transfer to other post-secondary institutions. 

Student opportunities

Here you’ll find information about lectures, field trips and other events.

And don't miss the Student Resources section below, with a multitude of links to help you get started learning, connecting and building your career.

Experiential learning

We often invite guest speakers to our campus in order to enrich student understanding of the relevant course material. In addition, we frequently go on field trips to local art galleries and museums.

Volunteer opportunities

CapU’s art history students who are in their third or fourth year may apply to volunteer at the Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art on Lonsdale. Contact the department for further details and paperwork.

Student resources

Behrang Nabavi Nejad
Instructor, Art History
School of Humanities
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
School of Humanities - Art History

604 986 1911 ext. 3074
Fir Building, room FR 406C
behrangnabavi@capilanou.ca
Christopher Pearson BA (Hons), MA, PhD
Instructor, Art History
School of Humanities
School of Humanities - Art History
Faculty of Arts and Sciences

604 986 1911 ext. 7314
Fir Building, room FR 414
cpearson@capilanou.ca
Efrat El-Hanany BA, MA, PhD
Inst., Art History & Women's & Gender, Art History Coordinator
School of Humanities
School of Social Sciences
Women's & Gender Studies
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
School of Humanities - Art History

604 986 1911 ext. 2489
Fir Building, room FR404
eelhanan@capilanou.ca
Megan Smetzer BA, MA, PhD
Instructor, Art History
School of Humanities
School of Humanities - Art History
Faculty of Arts and Sciences

604 986 1911 ext. 2446
Fir Building, room FR 406C
megansmetzer@capilanou.ca
Patricia Tatum
Divisional Supervisor
School of Humanities
School of Humanities - Art History
School of Humanities - Chinese
School of Humanities - English
School of Humanities - French
School of Humanities - History
School of Humanities - Japanese
School of Humanities - Language Resource Centre
School of Humanities - Linguistics
School of Humanities - Philosophy
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
School of Humanities - Spanish
School of Humanities - Writing Centre

604 984 1713 ext. 1713
Fir Building, room FR 404A
ptatum@capilanou.ca
Sandra Seekins BA, MA
Art History Coordinator, Instructor
School of Social Sciences
Women's & Gender Studies
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
School of Humanities
School of Humanities - Art History

604 986 1911 ext. 2288
Fir Building, room FR 450
sseekins@capilanou.ca

Have a question?

Get in touch with us!

About this program

Art History Department
604 984 4957
Fir Building, room FR404
humanities@capilanou.ca

General inquiries

Student Information Services
Library Building, room LB152

604-984-4900
604-984-1798 (fax)
registration@capilanou.ca