Bachelor of Arts Honors in History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture (HADVC) Degree Program Guide

History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture (HADVC) Honors students gain the opportunity to work one-on-one with a professor to develop and complete a research project of their own that culminates in an original thesis, typically focusing on a particular historical theme or question. This grants students the opportunity to work closely with faculty members, conduct academic research as part of their undergraduate program, and set themselves up for bright graduate school prospects in the future. HADVC Honors students may also apply for the Practicum Program, which provides hands-on experience in a local museum or gallery.

The History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture (HADVC) is a liberal arts discipline that prepares you to interpret our visual world. Our program will train you in ways of seeing the images and objects around you. It will equip you to think imaginatively, read critically, and communicate your thoughts effectively with others. How we see and interpret what we see shapes critical conversations about globalization, the environment, social justice, and the impact of new and historical technologies, scientific discoveries, and medical practices on cultural and identity formations.

Academic Requirements for HADVC Honors students

General Requirements and Information
  • Honors in the History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture requires a minimum of 48 units to a maximum of 60 units at the junior and senior levels in HADVC courses
  • Promotion from year to year requires an overall GPA of at least 3.0 with a GPA of at least 3.3 in all HADVC courses in the Fall/Winter
  • Graduation with Honors in History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture requires an overall GPA of at least 3.0 with a GPA of at least 3.3 in all HADVC courses. Graduation with First Class Honors requires a GPA of at least 3.7 on all senior-level HADVC courses and an overall GPA of at least 3.5 on the last 30 units completed
Course Requirements
  • HADVC 400 - Theory and Methods in Art, Design, and Visual Culture 
  • HADVC 418 - Special Subject, Fourth-Year Honors for which preparation will commence in the third year in consultation with the Departmental Advisor
  • A minimum of 9 additional units in HADVC seminars at the 400-level
  • 6 units at the senior level in a Language other than English (normally French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, or Japanese)
Additional Notes
  • CLASS 254, CLASS 255, and up to 6 units in studio ART or DES classes may be used toward the senior-level requirements
  • Consent of Departmental Advisor is required in choice of Language other than English

Academic Requirements for HADVC Combined Honors students

General Requirements and Information
  • A Combined Honors degree in History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture and another discipline requires a minimum of 36 units at the junior and senior levels in History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture and a minimum of 36 units in the other discipline
Course Requirements
  • 15 units in HADVC at the 200-level
  • 3 units in HADVC at the 300-level
  • 3 units in HADVC at the 400-level
  • HADVC 418 - Special Subject, Fourth-Year Honors 
    • HADVC 418 (6 units) is normally required. However, with the Advisor’s approval, this may be replaced with 6 units at the 400 level in HADVC if the student will be completing an Honors Essay in the other discipline. With special permission, a Combined Honors Essay may also be allowed in lieu of HADVC 418. Consult the Honors Advisor for further information
  • For the Combined Honors program, CLASS 254, CLASS 255, and up to 6 units in studio ART or DES classes may be used toward the senior level requirements may be used toward the senior-level requirements.
Additional Notes
  • In a combined Honors program, students must meet the promotion and graduation standards of each discipline
  • For the Combined Honors program, CLASS 254, CLASS 255, and up to 6 units in studio ART or DES classes may be used toward the senior-level requirements
  • HADVC 418 (6 units) is normally required. However, with the Advisor’s approval, this may be replaced with 6 units at the 400 level in HADVC if the student will be completing an Honors Essay in the other discipline. With special permission, a Combined Honors Essay may also be allowed in lieu of HADVC 418. Consult the Honors Advisor for further information

The University of Alberta Calendar will always contain the most up-to-date degree requirements for your program, and your requirements are determined by the calendar year you were admitted in.

What kinds of courses can HADVC Honors students take?

  • HADVC 100 - Introduction to the History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture
  • HADVC 203 - History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture in 17th Century Europe
  • HADVC 216 - China’s Design Revolution
  • HADVC 218 - History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture in Japan
  • HADVC 257 - History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture in Canada
  • HADVC 301 - Geographies of Art, Design, and Visual Culture
  • HADVC 311 - Issue in the History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture (topics change regularly to align with faculty research)
  • HADVC 330 - Art and Institutions
  • HADVC 336 - Introduction to Performance Art
  • HADVC 411- Special Topics in HADVC (topics change regularly)
  • HADVC 418 - Special Subject, Fourth-Year Honors

What kinds of careers can you pursue with a HADVC Honors degree?

There are many different fields and career paths that students can pursue with a History of Art, Design and Visual Cultural Honors degree. From museum curation to education, graduates are equipped with research, critical thinking and creativity skills to name a few, that are assets in today’s job market. Although there is a list of career options below, it is important to understand that careers are not linear. Intentionally engaging in a variety of activities and following your curiosities will open new opportunities that you might not have expected. To learn more about how you can put your Arts degree to work, stop by the HUB Career Centre (8917 HUB Mall) for more information.

  • Museum Curator & Educator
  • Arts and Culture Journalist
  • Project Manager
  • Arts Administrator
  • Writer & Editor
  • Creative Consultant
  • Educator (Professor, Secondary or Primary)
  • Art Advisor & Critic
  • Gallery Manager
  • Auction Specialist
  • Heritage Manager
  • Cultural Resource Coordinator
  • Public Art Program Manager
  • Content Creator
  • +More!

Interested in gaining work experience related to your career goals? If so, apply to Arts Work Experience to gain full-time, PAID, work experience before you graduate!

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