The Art History and Theory Programme is positioned at the pinnacle of artistic intelligence and new humanistic education. Adhering to an international academic vision and grounded in the canonical achievements of both Chinese and global traditions, the Programme is committed to the creative transformation of traditional culture. It strives to construct a theoretical system for Chinese art studies in the contemporary context—namely, to refine the educational model of art history, art theory, and art criticism; to conduct in-depth research on the core methodologies of Chinese and world art history and their historiographical traditions; to fully explore the aesthetic qualities and spiritual essences of Eastern and Western art; and to develop, within the framework of modern academic discourse, unique problem-solving approaches and research grammars for the study of traditional art history. These efforts are directed toward meeting the high-level talent demands in fields such as Chinese and world art history, art theory, visual culture, and museology.

Curriculum Overview

·Curriculum Structure

The curriculum employs a dynamic modular system centred on the study of material culture, art theory, and comprehensive interpretation. It aims to cultivate advanced research competencies in image and concept, style and language, art and history, and other areas of high-level academic inquiry. The undergraduate program is structured around the abovementioned modular system that corresponds to the four major directions of graduate admissions - Art Historiography, Visual Culture and World Art, Art Archaeology, Art History and Theory - thereby ensuring a coherent articulation of knowledge from undergraduate to graduate levels.

Year 1: The curriculum is primarily delivered through modular-based "Disciplinary Foundation" courses, with a strong emphasis on historical and theoretical coursework to solidify a robust theoretical grounding.

Years 2 and 3: The curriculum shifts to embedded "Professional Foundation" courses, focusing on essential professional training necessary for art historical research, honing research capabilities, and mastering key bodies of knowledge.

Years 3 and 4: The curriculum advances to thematic "Professional Advanced" courses, which are interdisciplinary in nature and designed to sharpen problem-focused inquiry and synthesize knowledge across disciplines.