Art History and Aesthetics

Studying aesthetics and art history are ways of learning about how art has been used to illustrate and enrich our lives since the dawn of history. An awareness of the relationships between people, their culture and their art is fundamental to an understanding of human nature. The history, philosophy and appreciation of art are subjects covered in this area of the Palomar College Art Department.
Art 100, Introduction to Art, is the first class listed in the Art Department and is a logical place to start an understanding of aesthetics and art concepts. This general education art appreciation course was originally intended for non-art majors but is useful to everyone.
Art 165 and 166 make up a yearlong survey of Western (European and American) art history. These general education courses are the basic courses in art history for students transferring to a four-year school for an art degree in any specialty. Humanities 100 and 101 make up another yearlong sequence of courses that investigate various aspects of the humanities throughout history. These general education courses are team taught with one of the instructors being from the Art Department.
The remaining courses in this area are specialty courses that more carefully investigate a variety of art history areas.

Class schedule and catalog information

Since schedules and courses change on a regular basis, please use the links below to get the most recent information on our degree programs, class schedules, and course descriptions
Degrees offered Degree programs in Art
Class scheduleClass schedule

Course offerings in Art History

ART 100 Introduction to Art (3)
3 hours lecture
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC
Promotes an understanding and appreciation of art through slide‑lectures, discussion, and museum visits. For non‑art majors.
ART 123 Arts Across the Curriculum (3)
3 hours lecture
Note: Cross listed as: DNCE 123/ MUS 123/ TA 123
Transfer acceptability: CSU
This course is an introduction to the artistic creative process through a comparative study of dance, music, theatre, and visual arts, within a social and cultural context. The principles of artistic perception, creative expression, cultural and historical context, and aesthetic valuing will be discussed.
ART 165 History of Art I: Survey of Western Art (3)
3 hours lecture
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC; CAN ART 2; ART 165+166=CAN ART SEQ A
The art forms and styles of Western man from the Paleolithic period through Medieval Gothic. Emphasis on the contribution of religion, social and political structures, heritage, and inter‑cultural contacts as they influence changes in form and style.
ART 166 History of Art II: Survey of Western Art (3)
3 hours lecture
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC; CAN ART 4; ART 165+166=CAN ART SEQ A
The art forms and styles of Western man from the Renaissance to the present. Emphasis on the style of individual artists and national styles as well as the contribution of religious, social, and political influences.
ART 167 History of Modern Art I: 19th Century
Europe and America (3)
3 hours lecture
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC
European and American painting, sculpture, and architecture from 1700 to 1900. Emphasis on the styles and contributions of individual artists as well as the influence of social, political, and cultural developments.
ART 168 History of Modern Art II: 20th Century
Europe and America (3)
3 hours lecture
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC
Twentieth Century European and American painting, sculpture, and architecture architecture. Emphasis on the styles and contributions of individual artists as well as the aesthetic, political, and psycho‑sociological motivations behind the art of the 20th century.
ART 123 Arts Across the Curriculum (3)
3 hours lecture
Note: Cross listed as: DNCE 123/ MUS 123/ TA 123
Transfer acceptability: CSU
This course is an introduction to the artistic creative process through a comparative study of dance, music, theatre, and visual arts, within a social and cultural context. The principles of artistic perception, creative expression, cultural and historical context, and aesthetic valuing will be discussed.