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Curatorial Studies Minor

REGISTER TODAY for the SAVC 291 COURSE

This course is a survey of American architectural traditions, methods and their significance. Combining an examination of the built environment with historical and social contexts it is intended to give a holistic, interpretive approach to the basics of architecture.

Students will explore the fundamental elements of architecture and significant contributions to our urban, suburban, and rural landscapes.

Guest speakers will expand on topics of urban planning, historic preservation and gentrification, and the significant contributions of African American architects in Atlanta and across the country.

Students will explore AUC archives and campus to examine the architectural history of the AUC and surrounding neighborhood.

Meeting Time

SAVC 291 meets Tuesday and Thursdays from 9:25 a.m. - 10:40 a.m. in Giles Hall, one of Spelman College's historic buildings built in 1895.

For more information, contact Chad Dawkins, Ph.D., visiting assistant professor, Art History and Curatorial Studies at chaddawkins@spelman.edu.

About the Course

The Art History Special Topics course addresses emerging issues or specialized content in the field of art history. The course is intended to focus on specific research specializations or concentrations and to offer a variety of topical issues to change with each course offering.

What is the AUC Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective?

Housed within the Department of Art & Visual Culture at Spelman College, the AUC Art Collective trains future art industry leaders at Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College and Spelman College with innovative coursework and mentorship in art history and curatorial studies as well as academic scholarships, co-curricular events and funded field study.

Learn More About the AUC Art Collective

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the discipline of Art, Art History, and Curatorial Studies?

Art is the creation or production of visual art. Students study art to become artists and work in the art industry. Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College all offer majors and minors in Art.

Art history is the study of art movements, theories and artists. Students study Art History to become art historians and/or work in the art industry. Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College all offer majors and minors in Art History.

Curatorial studies is the study of the exhibition, preservation and display of art and cultural objects. Students pursue curatorial studies to become curators and/or work in any object-focused domain such as at museums and archives. Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College all offer a minor in curatorial studies.

Students are strongly encouraged to combine majors and minors depending on career goals.
What are students saying about the AUC Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective?

I credit the AUC Art Collective for the immense growth and expansion I’ve experience in my undergraduate career. Not only has the Collective and program exposed me to amazing opportunities to grow as an art and creative professional, but also gifted me a community and network of innovative and bright-minded intellectuals with whom to share these moments. The expertise of the faculty provides a deep sense of mentorship, leadership, and scholarship that has allowed me to excel beyond the classroom.” – Tenesha Carter Johnson C’2024

“Being in the Collective has truly changed my life through connecting with brilliant and kind scholars on campus to engaging with avant-garde stakeholders in the global art world. The Collective has holistically enriched my studies, community, and sense of self. -- Christian Reeder C’2021
How can I join?

Once you declare an Art History major or Art History/Curatorial Studies minor, you are automatically part of the Collective and eligible for our scholarships, paid internships, and funded field study travel.

Contact Rachel Brown, associate director, or Omolade Olubowale, program coordinator, for more information at rachel.brown@spelman.edu and omoladeolubowale@spelman.edu.
What can I do to keep up with events and news of the AUC Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective?
- Follow us on Instagram: @auc_artcollective
- Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Explore Paid Summer Internships, t he Art History Scholarship , and Early College

About the Curatorial Studies Minor

The curatorial studies minor introduces students to the contemporary and historic study of the exhibition, display, preservation and interpretation of art objects. Rooted in hands-on, object-based inquiry, students engage the exhibitions and permanent collections of the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art, the Clark Atlanta University Art Museum, the Spelman College Innovation Lab, and the Robert W. Woodruff Library.

Visit the AUC Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective Website