Undergraduate Catalog 2008-2009

David Schirm
Chair

Anthony Rozak
Director of Undergraduate Studies

The Department of Visual Studies is a combination of the former departments of Art and Art History. Visual Studies unites several major aspects of art and visual culture: the practice of art, the history of art, and the critical study of visual images.

Visual Studies offers degree programs in art practice (ART), art history (AHI) as well as courses in visual studies (VS).

See the degree program heading for information on each of these programs.

The Department of Visual Studies promotes the University at Buffalo's commitment to creative research/scholarship and teaching excellence. The Art Program is dedicated to diversity, innovation and progressive practice, featuring an internationally recognized, professionally active full-time faculty. The Visual Studies Art Program collaborates with other programs within the College of Arts and Sciences and throughout the research environment of UB. The Art Program is accredited by The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

The study of art opens the mind to a wealth of possibilities whereby a student can identify and appreciate their distinctive skills. Artists and designers generate unique and unexpected visual expressions of culture through a flexible, inquisitive process that investigates and defines our world. The emphasis in the art program is on critical thinking and art production skills. The art program combines a broad university education with a rigorous art curriculum to prepare the student for the real world practice of art and design.