Job security is a relatively new concept in the ancient field of teaching art. Historically artists have created, and been judged on, their own credentials--that is, their art. The master of fine-arts (M.F.A.) degree, often described as a "terminal degree," or the endpoint in an artist's formal education, has long been sufficient for artists…

Each year more than 300 applicants vie for 18 slots at the Central Institute of Restoration, the program responsible for the restoration of many of Italy's greatest works of art, and the training of experts in the repair of objects of artistic and/or cultural significance. Successful candidates must demonstrate knowledge of art history, chemistry,…

In this article, the author contends that the vast majority of American historians no longer regard American culture--whether high culture or mainstream popular culture--as an essential area of study. The much-vaunted culture turn in the humanities has run its course in one of the first disciplines it influenced. Indeed, most of the books today…

Uncertainty about attributions of works of art and shifts in opinion leading to reattributions are intensifying the study of connoisseurship, the process by which an art historian or curator seeks to determine who made a work of art. (MSE)

Three innovative ideas for college instruction include a freshman assignment to write recruitment letters to high school students with similar interests, introductory art history classes taught solely in a museum adjacent to the campus, and use of the "Hunt of the Unicorn" tapestry to combine plant identification practice with art…

Art historians are saying that while art outside the mainstream challenges many usual assumptions about art history, more attention should be given to nontraditional art genres such as graffiti, folk art, children's art, prehistoric cave paintings, and the art of the insane. (MSE)

An art history video created at the Columbia University (New York) Media Center for Art History takes the art student on a computer-animated video tour of Amiens Cathedral (France) designed to make architectural history come alive by illustrating the chronology of the building's construction. The Center was established to encourage faculty to…

Leading scholars outline current research directions in anthropology, sociology, psychology, chemistry, art history, history, philosophy, linguistics, nuclear energy, business, mathematics, engineering, Afro-American studies, cognitive science, economics, literature, music, political science, Jewish studies, education, law, and biology. (MSE)

"Chronicle of Higher Education" presents an abundant source of news and information for college and university faculty members and administrators. This July 2, 2004 issue of "Chronicle of Higher Education" includes the following articles: (1) "The Provost as Gatekeeper: A Former Provost Offers Advice on Managing the…