Whether concentrating on studio work or on art history, the art major develops a set of visual skills: looking, composing and understanding.

Along with the knowledge gained from the other humanities, the art major learns to use these skills in creating works of art, and the art historian uses these skills when interpreting works of art.

Whereas studio art develops visual expression, art history puts visual expression into words.

The student develops both skills over several related courses, concentrating either on building up a visual or a verbal vocabulary.

The Wabash Art Department believes that understanding, expressed both visually and verbally, sustains the student in his chosen field and guides him through his dealings with the wider world.