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Las Positas College is an inclusive, learning-centered, equity-focused environment that offers educational opportunities and support for completion of students' transfer, degree, and career-technical goals while promoting lifelong learning.

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Art History Courses

ARHS 1 - Introduction to Art History

3 units

Architecture, sculpture, painting, photography and design in relation to human inventiveness in providing for material and aesthetic needs. This course provides a general introduction to art that offers a look at works of art through the study of theory, terminology, themes, design principles, media, techniques, with an introduction to the visual arts across time and diverse cultures. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: C1; IGETC: 3A; C-ID# ARTH 100.

Recommended Course Preparation: Eligibility for ENG 1A.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

ARHS 2 - Art of the Ancient Americas

3 units

Survey of visual culture within the historical context of select ancient civilizations in Mexico, Central American, and South America up to European contact. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# ARTH 145.

Recommended Course Preparation: ENG 1A with a minimum grade of C.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

ARHS 3 - Arts of Africa, Oceania, and Indigenous North Americas

3 units

This course is an introduction to the visual arts produced by selected people of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas from the prehistoric to contemporary periods. The topics covered in the course are representative of the art and architecture produced by groups from Africa, Oceania and the Americas emphasizing how art is representative of the cultural, religious, social, or political orientation of each region. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: C1; IGETC: 3A; C-ID# ARTH 140.

Recommended Course Preparation: Eligibility for ENG 1A.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

ARHS 4 - Western Art History - Ancient to Medieval

3 units

History of Western art from prehistoric times through Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Aegean, Greek, Etruscan, Roman, Early Christian, Byzantine, Medieval, Romanesque, and Gothic civilizations. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: C1; IGETC: 3A; C-ID# ARTH 110.

Recommended Course Preparation: Eligibility for ENG 1A.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

ARHS 5 - Western Art History - Renaissance to Contemporary

3 units

History of Western art from Early Renaissance, High Renaissance, Mannerism, Baroque, Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, 20th Century developments of American art 21st century Globalism. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: C1; IGETC: 3A; C-ID# ARTH 120.

Recommended Course Preparation: Eligibility for ENG 1A.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

ARHS 6 - Museum & Gallery Techniques

3 units

An examination of the methodology and technique of displaying visual art within a museum/gallery space. Opportunities to meet artists from the Bay Area and beyond, learn the meaning behind their artwork, and gain hands-on practice in a range of activities covering the presentation, handling, and security of original artwork in the LPC Center for the Arts Gallery. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

ARHS 7 - Modern Art History

3 units

Presents an overview of the art movements, artists and issues of Modernism to Contemporary art. This includes art from the mid-nineteenth century, through the twentieth century and contemporary art. Incorporates the social, political, and aesthetic context of the time. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: C1; IGETC: 3A; C-ID# ARTH 150. 

Recommended Course Preparation: ENG 1A with a minimum grade of C.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

ARHS 8 - Asian Art History

3 units

Asian art history surveys the arts of India, China, Korea, and Japan. The architecture, painting, sculpture, and other arts are examined within their religious and social contexts. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: C1; IGETC: 3A; C-ID# ARTH 130.

Recommended Course Preparation: ENG 1A with a minimum grade of C.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass