Art History

Overview

The Art History program at John Cabot University has a dual focus: the visual cultures of Rome and the Mediterranean across time, from antiquity to the present; and the acquisition of technical skills for primary research. It also stimulates critical perspectives on the impact of Roman art worldwide. 

Seminars and courses take place at John Cabot University’s campuses in the centrally-located Trastevere district of Rome and in nearby Roman museums, churches, palaces, monuments, archaeological parks, archives, rare book libraries, restoration labs, study collections, artists’ workshops, public installations, and contemporary art galleries. 

These venues of visual culture and documentation constitute the laboratory of the degree. Some courses involve traveling to other parts of Italy—for example, to Naples, Florence, or Assisi.

Career

The degree is designed to serve as a foundation for art-historical careers in museums, galleries, schools, art consultancies, art publishing houses, and related entities; as preparation for Ph.D. (doctoral) level study in the history of art at other institutions; as continuing education for teachers of art history, history, classical studies, and related subjects; or as career enhancement for current and future professionals in areas where primary research skills and expertise in Roman visual culture offer creative advantages and possibilities for specialization. 

Examples include a library and information science, cultural heritage management, historical fiction and script writing, scenography, art conservation, and game design.

Accreditation

John Cabot University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The MA is the first graduate degree program in art history based entirely in Rome offered by a US-accredited university.