Art studies and art history - what's the difference?

Anyone who finds out about the possibilities of studying art history in Kassel will inevitably come across the fact that the university does not offer art history as a degree course, but rather art studies. This raises the question of the relationship between the two subjects and how they differ from each other.

In principle, students studying art history have access to all the subject areas and career opportunities that a degree in art history offers. The only difference between Kassel Art History and "classical" Art History is the interdisciplinary nature of the course. In addition to the two professorships for Medieval and Modern Art History, the Kassel faculty is characterized by a further one for Art History (20th and 21st century). On the other hand, a professorship for Philosophy and a professorship for Art and Research in connection with the documenta Institute expand the profile of the degree program. These complement the teaching in Kassel with thematic focuses such as the philosophy of art, the theory of curatorial practice and exhibitions.

The location of art studies on the premises of the Kunsthochschule also ensures close links to the art teaching and art degree courses. The immediate proximity to these promotes the interdisciplinary nature of art history studies and contributes to the openness and breadth of art studies.