Cornell University Registrar

Program Description

The interdisciplinary undergraduate Visual Studies Program at Cornell University provides students with an opportunity to critically understand visual culture by investigating the practices and technologies of looking and perception. Visual Studies broadens the perspective of Art History to include forms of visual culture traditionally excluded from the category 'art.' The field's interdisciplinary nature is reflected in its interpretation of the historical and contemporary visual world as manifested in architecture, art, cinema, performance, popular culture, print and digital media, social institutions or science and technology. It encourages an integrated approach combining various perspectives such as cultural studies, philosophy, gender, post-colonial studies, or race and ethnicity. Professors from outside the department regularly contribute to the course offerings.

The Program currently offers a minor, which is open to all undergraduates. 

Academic Standards

Grade Requirements

All courses must be taken for a letter grade. 

Each course must be completed with a grade of B- or better to count toward the minor. 

Minor Declaration Information

Students interested in pursuing the minor should first discuss it with their current advisers, and contact the History of Art Undergraduate/Graduate Coordinator. Minor applications are also available on the History of Art website.

Program Information

• Minimum Credits for Minor: 15

Minor Requirements

Requirements for the minor include the core course, VISST 2000, which introduces students to critical thinking about visual studies as well as close textual analysis in social and historical contexts. 

In addition to the core course:

• Students must take one "hands on" practice course plus three additional courses at the 3000 level or above.
• At least one of these three additional courses must be in the Department of the History of Art and Visual Studies.
• No more than two courses from the concentration may be double-counted toward a student's major.
• Only two Theory/Practice courses may count towards the requirements.