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Associate in Arts for Transfer Degree
Art History

The Associate in Arts in Art History for Transfer (AA-T) Degree is intended to meet the lower division requirements for Art History majors or Art majors with a concentration in Art History (or similar majors) at a CSU campus that offers an Art or Art History baccalaureate degree.

This degree is designed for students interested in an introduction to the discipline and methodologies of art history. The coursework will provide students with an understanding of the artistic contributions of diverse cultures and regions throughout time, of the relationship between works of art and the contexts in which they were produced, and of the ways in which works of art communicate ideas and meaning visually. Students will examine theories of interpretation and iconography, along with issues of patronage, provenance, and conservation/restoration.  Students will gain critical thinking skills and a foundational knowledge of art history that will prepare them for transfer to four-year institutions and for arts and humanities-related careers.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

Apply Now!


Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
Select sample path/map:
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
Select one: ART 105 / ART 105H (IGETC 3A)M3.0
ART 105 - Survey of Western Art: Prehistory through the Middle Ages (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 001A)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*Credit limit) CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: ART 105 or ART 105H)

This course presents a broad overview of prehistoric, Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan, Roman, early Christian, Islamic, and Medieval art and architecture. The course is appropriate for students pursuing a degree in Studio Art or Art History, or seeking to fulfill General Education requirements in Fine Arts and Humanities.

ART 105H - Survey of Western Art: Prehistory through the Middle Ages Honors (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ENGL C1000
Advisory:It is advised that students be able read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*Credit limit) CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: ART 105 or ART 105H)

This course presents a broad overview of prehistoric, Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan, Roman, early Christian, Islamic, and Medieval art and architecture. The course is appropriate for students pursuing a degree in Studio Art or Art History, or seeking to fulfill General Education requirements in Fine Arts and Humanities, and is designed for those who meet Honors Program requirements.

ART 130 - Freehand Drawing IM3.0
ART 130 - Freehand Drawing I (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 010A)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course for art and non-art majors interested in developing basic drawing skills is an introduction to observational drawing and composition. In the course, students develop the ability to perceive and define shape, contour, volume, space, and light using a variety of drawing media and subject matter. Emphasis is on clarity of observation and the ability to order and translate 3D form and space into 2D drawings.

ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (IGETC 1A)GE3.5
ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (3.5 units)

(Formerly ENGL 001A, ENGL 101)

Prerequisite:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. 

The course data is currently unavailable.0
Total Semester Units:9.5 
2nd Semester
Select one: ART 120 / ART 121 / ART 135 / ART 140 / ART 230 / PHTO 130 M3.0
Notes:
ART 120 is recommended.

ART 120 - Two-Dimensional Design (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 030A)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This introductory course is open to all students interested in learning basic design principles as they apply to two-dimensional media. Through lectures, written assignments, and studio projects using materials such as ink, paper collage, and paint, students learn how to orchestrate the fundamental elements of two-dimensional images like line, shape, texture, value, and space. In addition to developing a visual vocabulary for personal creative expression, students explore design concepts as they relate to effective visual communication across art, design, and culture.

ART 121 - Three-Dimensional Design (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 030B)

Advisory: ART 120
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This introductory course is open to all students interested in the fundamentals of visual thinking as they apply to all three-dimensional media. The course provides an introduction to the concepts, applications, and art historical contexts related to three-dimensional art, and includes the basic elements and principles of three-dimensional design. Students explore topics such as planes, volume, and texture through the creative use of different materials like foam board, wire, or wood.

ART 135 - Beginning Painting (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 020A)

Advisory:ART 130
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This is an introductory course for all students interested in developing basic painting skills. The course explores both traditional and contemporary painting techniques while stressing an ability to perceive and define shape, contour, volume, texture, space, and light using acrylic or oil painting media. Emphasis is placed on learning the techniques of painting, understanding the use of color, and strengthening observation and rendering skills while providing an understanding of the historical and cultural development of painting in human expression and creativity. Students are advised to have some drawing skills before taking this course.

ART 140 - Ceramics I (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 038A)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This introductory course is open to all Art and non-art majors interested in learning basic skills in ceramics using the potter’s wheel. Students develop a visual vocabulary for creative expression through lectures, vocabulary lists and video presentations. The course covers beginning problems of centering, throwing, and shaping various functional and non-functional pottery. Students are introduced to the process of glazing and basic firing techniques. This course emphasizes exploring personal and cultural expression in the ceramic media.

ART 230 - Beginning Life Drawing (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 012A)

Prerequisite: ART 130
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course is intended for art, animation, and non-art majors who have satisfied the drawing course prerequisite and are interested in developing the basic drawing skills of representing the human figure. As the course is an introduction to observational figure drawing and composition, students develop the ability to identify and render the surface anatomy and structural organization of the human form through the creative use of drawing media, such as charcoal and ink.

PHTO 130 - Beginning Photography (3.0 units)

(Formerly PHTO 190, PHOTO 190, 014A)

Advisory:ART 120
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is designed for students who wish to study the basic technical and conceptual approaches to contemporary photography. Traditional black and white photography techniques are explored, with special emphasis on the basic use of the 35 mm camera and enlarger as well as the processing of black-and-white film and printing paper. Students are required to provide their own 35 mm camera with manual controls.

Select one: ART 106 / ART 106H (IGETC 3A)M3.0
ART 106 - Survey of Western Art: Renaissance to Contemporary (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 001B)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*Credit limit) CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: ART 106 or ART 106H)

This course provides an overview of the history of Western art from the 14th century through the Modern Era, including Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Realism, Early Photography, Impressionism, Post Impressionism, Modernism, Postmodernism, and major art developments of the 20th and 21st centuries. The course is appropriate for all students pursuing the degree in Studio Art or Art History, or seeking to fulfill general education requirements in Fine Arts and Humanities.

ART 106H - Survey of Western Art: Renaissance to Contemporary Honors (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 106)

Prerequisite: ENGL C1000
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*Credit limit) CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: ART 106 or ART 106H)

This course provides an overview of the history of Western art from the 14th century through the Modern Era, including Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Realism, Early Photography, Impressionism, Post Impressionism, Modernism, Postmodernism, and major art developments of the 20th and 21st centuries. The course is designed for students who meet Honors Program requirements, and is appropriate for all students pursuing the degree in Studio Art or Art History, or seeking to fulfill general education requirements in Fine Arts and Humanities.

MATH 150 - Survey of Mathematics (IGETC 2)GE3.0
Notes:
While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement:  MATH 130/H, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 180, MATH190/H, PSY 190.

MATH 150 - Survey of Mathematics (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course.
Transfers to: CSU, UC

In this course students will learn to read and understand quantitative information, solve practical problems, and make sound decisions using numbers. Topics include consumer applications, logic, probability, statistics, algebra, and geometry. This course is for students who need a quantitative reasoning course for graduation or transfer.

Cal-GETC 1c - Oral CommunicationGE3.0
Notes:
take an elective class if plan to go to a UC

Select one:
COMM C1000, C1000H

Total Semester Units:12.0 
Summer 1
Cal-GETC 5b - Biological ScienceGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.
All labs or courses with labs are indicated by an '*':

Select one:
ANTH 101, 101H, 101L*; BIOL 101*, 105, 105L*, 111, 111L*, 120, 120L*, 200*, 201*, 206, 222*, 226*;
PSY 210, 210H.

Cal-GETC 5c - LaboratoryGE1.0

Select one if lab has not been completed in IGETC 5A or 5B.
All labs or courses with labs are indicated by an '*':
ANTH 101L*;
ASTR 112*;
BIOL 101*, 105L*, 111L*, 120L*, 200*, 201*, 222*, 226*;
CHEM 110*, 120*, 130*, 140*, 230*, 231*;
GEOG 101L*;
GEOL 151*;
PHY 120*,150*, 160*, 211*, 212*, 213*

Total Semester Units:4.0† 
3rd Semester
Select one: ART 104 / ART 107 / ART 108 (IGETC 3A or 3B)M3.0
ART 104 - Art of the Ancient Americas (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course provides a study of the indigenous arts of Mexico, Andean South America, and Central America produced by civilizations including the Olmec, Maya, Aztec, Inca, Moche, Chavin de Huantar, and Nazca. The art of representative native tribes of the territory now encompassed by the United States and Canada is comparatively examined. Works of art and architecture are presented in relation to the various religious beliefs, political/ economic systems, and cultural practices of the ancient Americas. Art historical and archaeological methodologies relating to the understanding and interpretation of non-Western art are discussed. This course is appropriate for students pursuing a degree in art or art history and/or students with an interest in American studies and Latin American studies.

ART 107 - The Art of Asia (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 002)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course examines the artistic traditions of prehistoric to modern Asia in relation to their cultural, philosophical, and religious influences. The art and architecture of Central Asia (India, China, Korea, and Japan) are emphasized. Examples from Southeast Asia, Pakistan, Tibet, and Nepal also are discussed. This course is appropriate for all students interested in art and culture, and for those seeking to fulfill General Education requirements for Arts, as well as Studio Art majors.

ART 108 - The Art of Mexico (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 003)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is a survey of the art and architecture of Mexico, including PreColumbian, Viceregal (Colonial) and Modern (i.e., art and architecture of the 19th and 20th centuries). Chicano/a/x art will also be examined in relation to its Mexican antecedents. This course is appropriate for all students interested in art and culture and for those seeking to fulfill General Education requirements in Fine Arts and Humanities, as well as all Studio Art and Art History majors.

Select one: POLS C1000 / POLS C1000H (IGETC 4)GE3.0
POLS C1000 - American Government and Politics (formerly POLS 110) (3.0 units)

(Formerly POLS 110, 002)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: POLS C1000 or POLS C1000H)

This course is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, political issues, and public policy using political science theory and methodology.

POLS C1000H - American Government and Politics - Honors (formerly POLS 110H) (3.0 units)

(Formerly POLYS 110H, POLS 110H)

Advisory: ENGL C1000
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: POLS C1000 or POLS C1000H)

This is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, and public policy using political science theory and methodology. This is an honors course.

Cal-GETC 1b - Critical Thinking and CompositionGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
ENGL C1001, 1001H
PHIL 110, 110H

UC/CSU ElectiveEL3.0

Select a course that transfers to UC. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

UC/CSU ElectiveEL3.0

Select a course that transfers to UC. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:15.0† 
4th Semester
Select one: ART 109 / ART 112 / ART 113 / ART 115 / ART 120 / ART 121 M3.0
ART 109 - History of American Art (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 004)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is a study of American art and architecture from the colonial period through the early 20th century. The course focuses on the art of the United States, with a close examination of the country's artistic exchanges with Canada, Mexico, and South America. This course is appropriate for students with an interest in American studies and Latin American studies, and students seeking to fulfill the General Education requirement in the arts.

ART 112 - Visual Art in the Modern Era (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 006B)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is a survey of developments in art and architecture from the early 19th through the 20th century, and into the 21st. From Neoclassicism and Romanticism through Postmodernism and contemporary art, visual art movements are discussed in relation to stylistic trends, philosophical influences, innovations in technology, and other historical and social contexts. The roles played by the artist, critic, and consumer in shaping these movements are examined, as well as visual art’s impact upon society in the Modern era. This course is appropriate for all students pursuing the degree in Art History and/or seeking to fulfill general education requirements in Arts.

ART 113 - The History of Photography (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This lecture course examines the history of photography from its invention in the 1830s to the present. The technological development, social role, and aesthetic possibilities of photography are discussed in relation to major historical, art historical, cultural, and political influences. This course is appropriate for all students interested in photography, art, and art history and culture, students seeking to fulfill the General Education requirement in arts, and studio art and art history majors.

ART 115 - The Art of Film (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This introductory course explores film as an art form—its basic components and its relation to the styles and movements of other visual arts forms. An understanding of cinematic language is emphasized by focusing upon film's manipulation of time and space and its use of visual metaphors, montages, and explicit/implicit messages. The collaborative nature of filmmaking is studied by examining the role of cinematography, lighting, film editing, visual effects, art direction, and the use of sound and music to enhance the script and create style. Through discussion and written assignments, students develop the ability to analyze the impact of films viewed both in and out of class. This course is appropriate for any student interested in film, art, media studies, or culture.

ART 120 - Two-Dimensional Design (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 030A)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This introductory course is open to all students interested in learning basic design principles as they apply to two-dimensional media. Through lectures, written assignments, and studio projects using materials such as ink, paper collage, and paint, students learn how to orchestrate the fundamental elements of two-dimensional images like line, shape, texture, value, and space. In addition to developing a visual vocabulary for personal creative expression, students explore design concepts as they relate to effective visual communication across art, design, and culture.

ART 121 - Three-Dimensional Design (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 030B)

Advisory: ART 120
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This introductory course is open to all students interested in the fundamentals of visual thinking as they apply to all three-dimensional media. The course provides an introduction to the concepts, applications, and art historical contexts related to three-dimensional art, and includes the basic elements and principles of three-dimensional design. Students explore topics such as planes, volume, and texture through the creative use of different materials like foam board, wire, or wood.

US HISTORY (IGETC 4)GE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

All CSU campuses have a graduation requirement in American Institutions. Students may choose one of the following US History courses to partially fulfill this requirement: HIST 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 170.

Cal-GETC 5a - Physical ScienceGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.
All labs or courses with labs are indicated by an '*'.

Select one:
ASTR 110, 110H, 112*, 137*
GEOG 101, 101L*
GEOL 150, 151*, 152, 152L*
CHEM 110*, 120*, 130*, 140*, 230*, 231*
PHY 120*, 150*, 160*, 211*, 212*, 213*

Cal-GETC 3b - HumanitiesGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
ANTH 104
ASL 124, 201
CHIN 102
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H
ENGL126
FR 102, 201, 202
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 167, 170
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130, 140, 145
JAPN 102
LIT 102, 102H, 112A, 112AH, 112B, 112BH, 114, 114H, 117, 117H, 130, 130H, 140, 140H, 141, 141H, 142, 142H, 144A, 144AH, 144B, 144BH, 145, 145H, 146A,146AH, 146B, 146BH, 147, 147H, 148, 148H, 149, 149H
PHIL 101, 101H, 102, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 128H, 135, 140
POLS 128, 128H;
SPAN 102, 201, 201H, 202

Cal-GETC 6 - Ethnic StudiesGE3.0

Select one:
CHST 101
EGSS 110

Total Semester Units:15.0† 
Total Units for Art History AA-T program (Transfer to Cal-GETC)55.5† 
Notes:
  • AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
Some classes may have higher units
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
GEGeneral Education course
ELElective Course
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

Given a work of art to discuss, students will apply art historical terminology and methodology in its analysis and interpretation.


2

Given a comparative analysis prompt, students will discuss works of art representative of diverse cultures and regions within a historical and social context.

 


3

Given an image or set of images to analyze, students will explain how works of art communicate meaning visually.


4

Given a visual analysis prompt, students will describe the principles and formal elements of visual art.


5

Given an art historical or historical context, students will express an understanding of the roles and functions of art in society.


About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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