THAD Undergraduate Concentration

Through written and spoken communication, concentrators are able to demonstrate:

• knowledge of the world visual traditions from prehistory, classical, modern and contemporary eras
• understanding of influences in global art history, such as religion, landscape, environment, interiors, body, ornament, technology and identity
• the ability to identify and use art historians’ methodologies for interpreting works of art from various times and places
• the agility to translate insights from art historical studies to one’s own creative work
• the use of analytical tools needed for interpreting and navigating the complexities of our world, as engaged through images and visual literacy
• the capability to generate written art/design criticism and history at a level sufficiently high to engage the interest of an accomplished art historian
• familiarity with and use of research methods appropriate for entering an MA or PhD program

The undergraduate THAD concentration offers individual courses and customizable tracks that enrich and challenge your understanding of global practices across the art and design disciplines. As a concentrator you may also engage in collaborative learning through semester-long fellowships at the RISD Museum. Whether in classrooms, studios or at the museum, the THAD concentration empowers you to bridge practice, history and theory.

Selected THAD concentrators can undertake a semester-long, credit earning fellowship at the RISD Museum to work within the museum’s curatorial, education, registration or conservation departments. Administered by THAD, the program allows students to learn firsthand about museum professions.

In order to declare your intention to concentrate in Theory and History of Art and Design, please complete the form below which will be submitted to the THAD coordinator. Copies will be sent to the Registrar and the head of your major department. There is no penalty for withdrawing from the concentration.