Art History courses offer students a unique opportunity to develop the essential skill of visual literacy -- learning to look carefully and think critically about the visual images and material objects that surround us. Encompassing global art traditions from prehistory to the present, art history courses introduce students to a range of interdisciplinary methods, topics and media. Students explore how visual and material culture shapes human society across time and around the world.

Queen's Art History students can take advantage of experiential learning seminars in Venice, Italy, art and architecture courses at Queen's 15th Century Castle in England, and museum practicum courses at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre on campus, home to The Bader Collection of European art as well as contemporary, indigenous, African, and Canadian collections. Through field trips, internships, and other activities in and out of the classroom, students gain first-hand experience in analyzing and interpreting works of art and architecture. These writing and presentation skills will prepare students for careers in museums and archives, heritage preservation and tourism, art business, and art law and policy.