The Program in Art History at Duke
The Department of Art and Art History and Visual Studies, Duke University offers an interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program in the History of Art. The Ph.D. Program is committed to preparing students for advanced research in the visual cultures of the past and present. The Department recognizes that visual literacy plays an increasingly important role in negotiating contemporary society. Art, architecture, mass media (television, video, film, internet), and urbanism all work through reference to visual and spatial conventions. We strive, in consequence, to provide our graduate students not only with the necessary tools to understand objects and archives, but also the skills to interpret visual and material culture for the benefit of the broader community. Duke University is in the forefront of academic institutions supporting interdisciplinary and theoretical initiatives in the Humanities. Art History makes a unique contribution to these ventures. All members of the Art History faculty are engaged in innovative teaching or research projects involving faculty from other departments and programs. Courses that have been team-taught include "Late Ancient Christian Culture" (Art History and Religion), and "Introduction to Medieval/ Renaissance Studies" (Art History, English, and History).
In conjunction with the Nasher Museum of Art, Ph.D. candidates may also obtain a Certificate in Museology. Students may take courses for full credit toward their degree at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, which has a distinguished Art History faculty, and North Carolina State University at Raleigh.