Visual Studies Minor

College of Arts and Sciences

Program Website

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.