<p>sauron, the theory is that since many of the pioneers in art history wrote in German it's helpful to be able to read it. Again, it depends on the individual program. Many colleges recognize that the world has changed since 1900 and will make accommodations accordingly.</p>
<p>And no, the best place to study African or Asian art may not be at an African or Asian university. You want to go where the experts are in the area that you are studying and most likely they will be in Europe or America. Of course you would need to travel to see the works in situ but that's different from where you do your graduate work.</p>
<p>What you need to focus on is first, masters or PhD? second, what area of interest? third, what ultimate career goals?</p>
<p>Just about every university offers a PhD in art history, but there are fewer masters programs. Each program has a specialty, often tied into the collection of the associate museum.</p>