<p>Hi everyone,</p>
<p>I was just admitted to Northwestern as a transfer student and intend to double major in art history and psychology there. I haven't been able to find much about the art history department at NU other than what is on their website. I'm meeting with a professor this week when I visit, but if there's anything you know either from experience or just what you've heard from other people, I'm dying to know. Thanks!</p>
<p>It's ranked 8th in the nation by NRC 10 years ago.</p>
<p>Hi Lauren!</p>
<p>I graduated from NU's art history program last year, (undergrad.) It caters to those intersted in Renaissance/Baroque (Northern and Southern,) art history, especially those intersted in the fusion of art history and the history of science. (NU Profs. Claudia Swann and Lyle Massey are preeminent in their respective fields.) The dept. also emplys specialists in Modernism, 19th century french art history, pre-Columbian art history, etc. Generally, NU art history focused on socio-political undertanding of art objects rather than 'formalism,' (a major difference between the NU's prog and, for example, that at Yale.)</p>
<p>Frankly, NU's Art History ranks among Weinberg's top 3-5 departments, and NU's top 10 programs. By reputation and research, NU's art history department (undergrad and grad) ranks among the top 5 or so programs in the U.S. (with Yale, Penn, etc.)</p>
<p>If you hope to continue studying art history as a postgrad, you made an excellent choice in NU. A rec from Swann, Massey, etc. can open almost any door.</p>
<p>This is good to hear. I'm going to be a freshman next year and am very interested in the art history department. My mother graduated from the grad program years ago, focusing on modern art.</p>
<p>That's great, juliusmonkey! Congrats on your admission! I hope that you learn a lot at NU, and have a really good time. :)
Your Mom can probably tell you what to expect, but I'll write this, so that you're aware beforehand: Mary Weismantel, an anthro prof. teaches an excellent art history course--informative and genuinely fun--about Pre-Columbian erotic art. Check out her office, if you can--it's full of amazing Moche pottery! Also, she can arrange for students to access the vaults at the Art Institute of Chicago, which contain many treasures (of all eras and styles) that few ever see.</p>