The program prepares historically conscious and theoretically engaged art historians and curators who can contribute critically and productively to the development of new approaches to art history, art criticism and curatorial practices in Lebanon, the region and beyond.
We work closely with institutions in Beirut and elsewhere, with the AUB Art Galleries and the Beirut Art Review. This provides a rich academic environment of events, opportunities, established networks and exposure to the the artworld for the department and our students.
Our graduates work in publishing, in the museums and galleries of Beirut and the region, and pursue further study at universities in Europe and America.
The Curriculum
The curriculum blends theory and practice, combining research and writing seminars alongside art history, exhibition studies, and critical theory courses with a professional internship. Students can pursue art historical and curatorial research in a wide range of fields including contemporary and historical exhibitions.
The program has specific strengths in modern and contemporary art and theory; Islamic, Arabic and middle eastern art; curatorial history, methods, theories and practices; socialist and post-socialist art; western medieval and renaissance art; critical theory and art historiography.
Program Requirements
Students are required to complete thirty credits, including contributing to a group-curated exhibition, and for their final project can choose to specialise in art history or curating. Students who choose to specialize in Art History are required to submit a research-based argumentative art history or theory thesis. Students who specialize in Curating are required to submit a curatorial research paper and organize an exhibition in collaboration with art institutions and art spaces in Lebanon of the student's choosing.
Please find here a summary of the program, and the Thesis Proposal Guidelines.
For current and complete information about the program requirements and courses please see the ‘General Academic Information’ and the program's pages in AUB’s Graduate Course Catalogue available on the Registrar’s webpage.
Admission Requirements
The MA in Art History and Curating accepts applications for Fall semester admissions. The application should consist of the AUB application form, the application fee, previous degree transcripts, two letters of reference, a statement of interest and a writing sample (~2,000 words). If the admissions committee deems it necessary, the applicant may be contacted for an interview.
Language Requirements: Evidence of proficiency in English (writing, reading, and comprehension) and a second language (Arabic, French, German, Persian, Turkish, Armenian, or any other language relevant to the applicant's field of study).
The general requirements for graduate study can be found in the Admissions section of the AUB Graduate Course Catalogue available on the Registrar’s webpage, please refer to the AUB Graduate Admissions' website for more information. Applications are made through the online portal, which you can find here.