The University of Chicago's art history major (arthistory.uchicago.edu/undergraduate) has an art history program that stresses analysis of individual historical works and interpretation of greater meaning in pieces of art. The study of various artistic careers, artistic movements, how art is received by the greater community and research of the cultural and social impact of art at various points in history are key points in this program. Along with taking general foundational requirement courses, this program requires the writing of at least two art history research papers by senior year as well as producing a senior year thesis on a specialized area of art history with the help of a professor. This research intensive focus goes along with the traditional study of art history. Courses vary by quarter, but a wide range of areas are covered, from art of the early Americas to modern architecture.
Rice University's (arthistory.rice.edu) art history program focuses on hands-on analysis of art as well as the study of the theoretical aspects of art. The program's strong points are in the area of medieval and early modern Asian art, modern film, early modern art of Europe and the Middle East as well as contemporary art. Seeking to establish a chronological, geographical, and class-style balance in each student's art history studies, every student is required to take one premodern art course, one Renaissance-based art course and one modern art course. Moreover, two of the 10 courses taken for the major must be seminar classes and two must be non-European and non-American art history courses. There is also a specialization track in the study of architectural history.
Being right in New York City, Columbia University (columbia.edu/cu/arthistory) aims to integrate the art, architecture and culture of the Big Apple into its art history program. Classes often take field trips to New York's wide array of art museums and galleries. Courses available are of a wide range, and at the time of publication, course offerings featured classes like Rock-Cut Architecture of India, Contemporary African Art, a seminar in Aztec Art and Sacrifice, and courses in Roman Art and Architecture and the Athenian Acropolis. The program encourages students to study the role of arts in the areas of gender, culture, politics, religion and so on. After finishing introductory and core courses for the major, students can specialize in a certain area if desired and produce research works on specific areas of art.
On the West Coast, the University of Southern California (dornsife.usc.edu/ahis/programs/undergraduate.cfm) has a quality art history major that stresses incorporating knowledge of art history, civilizations and art techniques as well as sharpening analytical and critical thinking abilities. The major begins students with introductory courses in Western art and visual culture. Other foundational courses include art of the Renaissance and Medieval art as well as Asian, Middle Eastern and Latin American art. More specialized courses included art of Mesoamerica, ancient Greek art, Korean art and art of the ancient Andes. Contemporary courses in modern art movements in Los Angeles, and race, sex and gender in modern art offer students a chance to study art in the present day. Studying abroad is highly recommended by this program.