Revised by the Art History Faculty - Summer 2000
 
 
 

Graduate Programs in Art History

This bulletin contains information about the graduate policies and programs of the Division of Art History of the School of Art and Art History. It should be read in conjunction with the Manual of Rules and Regulations of the Graduate College and the Thesis Manual, both of which may be obtained from the Graduate College Office, and The University of Iowa General Catalog, which may be obtained from IMU Bookstore. However, it is important to realize that this Bulletin takes precedence over all other documents, including the General Catalog. Its rules apply to all graduate students entering the art history program in the Fall Semester of the 1998-99 academic year. This document will be revised annually. Reprints of the School of Art and Art History requirements are also available, free of charge, from the Main Office (E100 Art Building).

[To print the Graduate Bulletin download this Microsoft Word version]
 
 
 
 

Table of Contents|return to Top

Graduate Program

Admissions

Registration

Degree Requirements: M.A. Degree

Directed Studies

Foreign Languages

M.A. Thesis and M.A. Degree Committee

Final Examination

Degree Requirements: Ph.D. Degree

Directed Studies

Foreign Languages

Ph.D. Degree Committee

Ph.D. Comprehensive Examinations

Ph.D. Oral Comprehensive Examination

Dissertation Proposal

Final Examination

Preparing for Graduation

Graduate Scholarships and Fellowships

Selected In-House Graduate Awards

Selected University Graduate Awards

External Fellowships

Graduate Assistantships

Guidelines for Appointment of T.A.s

T.A. Responsibilities

Instructor's Responsibilities to T.A.s

Guidelines for Appointment of R.A.s

Retention, Review and Dismissal Procedures for T.A.s and R.A.s

Saturday & Evening Teaching

Annual Graduate Student Review

Participation in Professional Conferences

Procedures for Appealing Faculty Decisions

Student Evaluation of Faculty

Grievance Procedures

Job Placement

Division of Art History Administration

Additional Information:

Visual Materials Fee

Art History Society

Graduate Student Mailboxes

Telephones

Selected Facilities

GROUND PLAN of Art Building and SAMPLE FORMS (coming soon)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE GRADUATE PROGRAM|return to Contents

Art History, by its very nature, is interdisciplinary. Master of Arts (M.A.) students are expected to acquire a broad knowledge of art history as an academic and humanistic discipline, to become familiar with major periods and monuments of world art, and to gain proficiency in scholarship. The M.A. program in art history provides students with training in research methods appropriate to subsequent specialization at the Ph.D. level. Because the M.A. culminates in a substantial thesis in the candidate's chosen area of focus, evidence of competence in scholarly research and writing is prerequisite to graduation. Graduates with M.A. degrees generally continue for the Ph.D. degree or enter the professions of college teaching or museum work.

Graduates with Ph.D. degrees have gained breadth of knowledge in the discipline of art history and expertise in a specialized area of research. They are expected to contribute to the field of art historical studies through original research that responds to issues deemed critical to their fields of concentration. Graduates with Ph.D. degrees generally anticipate careers in college or university teaching, or they enter the museum profession.
 

ADMISSIONS|return to Contents

M.A. DEGREE:

Applicants to the M.A. degree program in art history must possess a Bachelor's Degree. Evidence of proficiency in French or German, satisfied by completion of the equivalent of two years of undergraduate language courses with grades of "B" or higher is prerequisite to admission. Although exceptions are sometimes made, applicants should have GRE scores of at least 1800 combined Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytic, and an undergraduate grade-point average of at least 3.25 on a 4.00 scale.

In addition to the admissions materials required by the Graduate College, the School of Art and Art History requires that applicants include a research paper (preferably from an art history course) or undergraduate thesis that demonstrates the applicant's ability to do future research in art history; a 500- to 1000-word essay that outlines the applicant's purpose in pursuing graduate studies, including a statement of his/her intellectual interests and career goals; three letters of recommendation that assess the applicant's potential for graduate study; and transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Ph.D. DEGREE:

Applicants for admission to the Ph.D. degree program in art history must possess an M.A. in art history or a related graduate degree. Evidence of proficiency in both French and German, satisfied by the completion of the second semester of a graduate-level reading-for-research language course or by the completion of the fourth semester of an undergraduate language sequence with grades of "B" or higher, is prerequisite to admission. Although exceptions may be made, applicants should have GRE scores of at least 1800 combined Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytic, and a graduate grade-point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale. Students who have completed their M.A. degrees at the University of Iowa and who wish to enter the Ph.D. program must apply formally. They should also note that their applications are evaluated in the context of the entire pool of applicants from outside institutions for that year.

In addition to the admissions materials required by the Graduate College, the School of Art and Art History requires that applicants include a copy of a thesis or other major research paper; a 500- to 1000-word essay that outlines the applicant's purpose in pursuing graduate studies, including a statement of his/her intellectual interests and career goals; three letters of recommendation, including one from the applicant's M.A. thesis supervisor, that assess the applicant's potential for doctoral study; and transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Note: Completed applications for the master's or doctoral program and requests for financial aid must be submitted to the Graduate College and to the departmental Academic Secretary (E100, Art Building) by February 1.
 
 

Admission Status:

See Manual of Rules and Regulations of the Graduate College, which is available at the Graduate College Office, 205 Gilmore Hall, p. 2, for details.

Note: A student admitted for a specific semester may delay his/her admission for only two sessions; this includes Summer Session. In other words, admission cannot be delayed for a full year (three sessions).

Note: "Professional/Personal Improvement" status is limited in the School of Art and Art History to students who have received the M.A. or Ph.D. degree and who have received permission from the Art History Faculty to return for specific course work. Registration as a "Professional/Personal Improvement" student is limited to a maximum of two semesters.

Readmission:

See Manual of Rules and Regulations of the Graduate College, p. 4, for details.

Academic Probation:

A student on regular status is placed on probation if, after completing 8 semester hours of graduate work, the cumulative grade-point average on graduate work done at the University of Iowa falls below an established base (3.00 for the M.A.; 3.25 for the Ph.D.). If, after completing 8 more semester hours at the University, the grade-point average remains below the established base, the student is denied permission to register for classes.
 
 

REGISTRATION|return to Contents

Each entering art history graduate student must meet with the Graduate Advisor (see page 24) before the beginning of classes of the first semester to discuss his/her undergraduate training and to plan a graduate program. All art history graduate students must continue to meet with the Graduate Advisor prior to the beginning of each semester in order to obtain registration materials, make course selections, and discuss progress toward the degree.

All academic-year Teaching and Research Assistants, during the period of their appointments, MUST carry a course load of at least six semester hours. Teaching and Research Assistants enrolled in fewer than six s.h. are not in compliance with published regulations of the College of Liberal Arts and are subject to dismissal from their appointments.

Ph.D. students MUST be registered during the semester in which they plan to take their comprehensive exams. In addition, doctoral candidates MUST continue to register after they have completed their comprehensive exams (as "Ph.D. Post-Comprehensive") during each fall and spring semester until completion of the degree. This procedure is automatically carried out for the student by the Academic Secretary (see page 25).

Students are expected to meet the announced prerequisites before enrolling in a course.

Announcements and Deadlines are posted on the "Graduate Art History Program" Bulletin Board located in the Art History Faculty office area, outside room W142 Art Building. These notices take precedence over those posted elsewhere in the Art Building. Information available at this location is accurate and current and applies specifically to the Graduate Program of the Division of Art History of the School of Art and Art History. For this reason, art history graduate students should check this bulletin board frequently.

Important Reminder: All requirements should be met in a timely manner. Students, in consultation with the Graduate Advisor, should begin fulfilling requirements immediately upon entering the program. Any student who arrives at what he/she thinks is the final semester of the degree program and, because of inadequate planning, has not completed the requirements for the degree, must continue in the program until the requirements are met.
 
 

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS|return to Contents

M.A. DEGREE:

To earn an M.A. in art history, students must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate-level course work with a grade-point average of 3.50 or higher. Only one semester of academic probation is allowed. All M.A. candidates, including transfer students, should note that the minimum academic residency requirement for the M.A. degree is 24 semester hours taken at the University of Iowa. M.A. candidates must earn a grade of "A" or "B" in semester-long, 100-level or above courses, in five of the following nine distribution fields: African, Asian, Ancient (3000 B.C.-300 A.D.), Medieval (300-1400 A.D.), Renaissance, Baroque, Eighteenth- and Nineteenth-Century European, Eighteenth- and Nineteenth-Century American, and Twentieth Century. These courses must be taken after receipt of the B.A. Degree.

M.A. students must also complete the following course requirements:

ï 1H:200, "History and Methods" 3 s.h.

ï Two art history seminars with different instructors

in distinctly different fields 6 s.h.

ï Additional art history courses, studio courses, or courses outside the School of Art and Art History 6 s.h.

Note: Courses outside the curriculum of the Division of Art History of the School of Art and Art History do NOT carry art history credit.

Note: "History and Methods" (1H:200) MUST be taken during the first Fall Semester of the student's residency. If an incoming student has already taken a comparable graduate-level course at another university, he/she may petition the Art History Faculty to waive this requirement.

Note: Credit for graduate seminars may be applied toward the five distribution fields requirement if the student has earned a grade of "B" or higher in an undergraduate or intermediate level course in the same field during his/her undergraduate career.
 
 

Directed Studies (1H:300)

These courses are designed for graduate students who have already taken an advanced course (or courses) in a specific art historical area. Directed Studies courses provide students with an opportunity to work on a one-to-one basis with a professor in order to continue specific research interests developed in lecture courses or seminars, or to assist in the preparation of specific topics that may eventually be the subject of a thesis or dissertation. Directed Studies courses are NOT a substitute for a lecture course already offered in the program. Normally, a student will have taken at least one course with a specific professor before taking a Directed Studies course with that professor. Finally, the decision to take any Directed Studies course must first be discussed with and approved by the professor involved.

A maximum of one Directed Studies course may be taken in any given semester for 1, 2 or 3 semester hours. A maximum of 3 s.h. are counted toward the M.A. degree.

Directed Studies courses for 1 or 2 s.h. normally meet with the directing professor bi-weekly and involve readings and short written assignments. Directed Studies courses taken for 3 s.h. normally meet once a week and involve extensive readings, annotated bibliographies, and require a substantial paper on a specific topic.
 
 

Foreign Languages: Within the first 20 semester hours of graduate study, students must demonstrate an ability to read art historical writings in a second appropriate foreign language. This requirement, which is in addition to the foreign language requirement for admission to the M.A. program, is fulfilled either by (1) the completion, with a grade of "B" or higher, of the second semester of a graduate-level reading-for-research language course, or (2) the completion, with a grade of "B" or higher, of the fourth semester of an undergraduate language sequence. Language requirements are fulfilled with German and French.

Note: Language courses do not carry degree credit.

Art History Colloquium: All art history graduate students are required to attend the monthly Art History Colloquium, a series of lectures or panel discussions on art historical topics. This requirement is integral to the degree program.

M.A. Thesis and M.A. Degree Committee:

Prior to graduation, M.A. candidates must complete a written thesis, for which 3 semester hours of course credit (1H:302, "M.A. Written Thesis") is allowed. Such credit is applicable to the total number required for graduation but is in addition to other course requirements for the M.A. degree. The M.A. Degree Committee consists of the student's Faculty Mentor (see page 25) and two additional tenured or tenure-track members of the Art History Faculty. To establish their committee, candidates must complete the "M.A. Thesis Committee Approval" form (see page 29) available from the Academic Secretary in the Main Office (E100 Art Building). This form must be reviewed and approved by the Art History Faculty to ensure compliance with Divisional, School, and College regulations.

For Graduate College rules covering the written thesis, see the Thesis Manual, available at the Graduate College Office, 205 Gilmore Hall. Forms necessary for graduation are obtained from the Academic Secretary (E100 Art Building). Announcements specifying graduation procedures are posted on bulletin boards in the Art Building at the beginning of each semester.
 
 

Preliminary Thesis Copy: A preliminary copy of the thesis is due to all committee members by midterm of the graduation semester. This copy must be as complete as possible and include photocopies of approved illustrations that will appear in the final thesis. Committee members review and comment on the preliminary copy and return it to the candidate for final revisions and editing.

First Deposit of Thesis: The complete thesis, in final form, must be deposited for its first check in the Graduate College approximately four weeks prior to the end of the semester in which the degree is expected. A final copy is due to all degree committee members at this time. Deadlines are posted each semester on bulletin boards throughout the Art Building and appear in the Schedule of Courses. If students have further questions about thesis requirements, they should consult the Academic Secretary (E100 Art Building).

Final Examination: The final examination constitutes an oral defense of the written M.A. Thesis. The final examination meeting with the M.A. Degree Committee is normally scheduled for 30 minutes toward the end of the student's last semester of course work. At this time, the Degree Committee signs the Final Examination Report and the Certificate of Approval (two copies).

Final Deposit of Thesis: After the Degree Committee has accepted the M.A. thesis and signed the Certificate of Approval, two copies of the thesis, with their copies of the Certificate of Approval, are taken by the student to the Graduate College, 205 Gilmore Hall, by the posted deadline. Any corrections required by the Graduate College Examiner or M.A. Degree Committee members must be completed prior to this final deposit.
 
 

Ph.D. DEGREE:|return to Contents

To earn a Ph.D. in art history, students must complete a minimum of 72 semester hours of graduate-level course work with a grade-point average of 3.50 or higher; a maximum of 38 s.h. of work taken for the M.A. may be applied to satisfy this requirement. Students are allowed only one semester of academic probation. To establish academic residency, candidates must be enrolled as full-time students at the University of Iowa for two semesters of at least 9 s.h. each beyond the first 24 s.h. of graduate-level course work OR three semesters of at least 6 s.h. each along with a 1/3+ time assistantship. Ph.D. candidates major in one of the following nine distribution fields: African, Asian, Ancient (3000 B.C.-300 A.D.), Medieval (300-1400 A.D.), Renaissance, Baroque, Eighteenth- and Nineteenth-Century European, Eighteenth- and Nineteenth-Century American, and Twentieth Century. In addition, candidates minor in two fields. At least one of these (the first minor) must be in an art history distribution field other than the major. The second minor may be in any art history distribution field, OR it may be in a relevant discipline outside the Division of Art History, subject to approval of the Art History Faculty.

NOTE: Residency requirements are NOT fulfilled by a 1/4 time TA appointment in art history.

Ph.D. students must also complete the following course requirements:

ï Two art history seminars with different instructors

in distinctly different fields 6 s.h.

ï Additional art history courses 18-30 s.h.

ï Courses outside the School of Art and Art History 0-12 s.h.

Note: Up to six s.h. of credit for dissertation preparation may be applied toward the total hour requirement.

Note: Courses outside the curriculum of the Division of Art History of the School of Art and Art History do NOT carry art history credit.
 
 

Directed Studies (1H:300)--See basic information on pages 6-7:

Normally, a maximum of 6 s.h. of Directed Studies may be applied to the Ph.D., although a doctoral candidate may petition the Art History Faculty for permission to take up to 9 s.h.

Foreign Languages: Evidence of reading proficiency in at least two foreign languages (French and German), fulfilled either by (1) the completion, with a grade of "B" or higher, of the second semester of a graduate-level reading-for-research language course, or (2) the completion, with a grade of "B" or higher, of the fourth semester of an undergraduate language sequence. With the advice of the his/her Faculty Mentor, a student may be requested to demonstrate proficiency in additional appropriate languages when his/her fields so warrant.

Note: Language courses do not carry degree credit.

Art History Colloquium: All art history graduate students are required to attend the monthly Art History Colloquium, a series of lectures or panel discussions on art historical topics. This requirement is integral to the degree program.

PH.D. Degree Committee:

The Ph.D. Degree Committee consists of the student's Faculty Mentor (see page 25), who is responsible for the major field, two members who are responsible for the two minor fields, and at least two additional members. Of these five, four must be tenured or tenure-track faculty from the Art History Division, and one must be from outside the Art History Division. This outside member must be on the faculty of the Graduate College. If appropriate, additional members may sometimes serve on committees. The procedure for establishing the Ph.D. Degree Committee requires completion of the "Ph.D. Comprehensives Committee Approval" form (see page 30) and the "Ph.D. Dissertation Committee Approval" form (see page 31) available from the Academic Secretary in the Main Office (E100 Art Building).
 
 

Ph.D. Comprehensive Examinations:

Upon completion of course requirements, Ph.D. candidates take three written comprehensive examinations. The major exam consists of six questions (chosen from a group of eight or nine questions). The exam lasts for six hours. The two minor exams each consist of three questions (chosen from a group of five or six questions in each area). The minor exams last for three hours each. Thus, the total time allotted for the written portion of the Ph.D. comprehensive exams is twelve hours. The exams are taken on any two days within a five-day period.

Comprehensive examinations, as the name implies, are intended to test students' knowledge of their major and minor fields. The exams are written to be as broad as possible. The departmental philosophy is to have students choose fields of specialization with sufficient breadth to adequately prepare them to become competitive teachers or curators within those fields. The comprehensive examinations are designed to test this preparation. For example, if a student's major field is Eighteenth- and Nineteenth-Century Art, the questions are designed to allow that student to demonstrate his or her understanding of the painting, sculpture, architecture, and minor arts of those centuries. The comprehensive exams do not concentrate specifically on a student's dissertation topic.

Planning for the major and minor examinations requires completion of the "Ph.D. Comprehensive Examinations Committee Approval" form (see page 30). Soon after the committee members are chosen (approximately one year before the exams), the student meets with the committee to discuss the definitions and specifications of the major and minor fields.

This meeting (and subsequent meetings) and the overall structuring of the exams is overseen by a comprehensive examinations coordinator who is not a member of the student's committee. The coordinator assures that the exams conform to the procedures and standards published in the Graduate Bulletin. Normally, the comprehensive examinations coordinator is the Head of Art History. If the Head of Art History cannot serve (say, because he or she is already a member of the committee), he or she appoints a coordinator from the art history faculty at large.

The comprehensive examinations cover the time periods specified on the "Ph.D. Comprehensive Examinations Committee Approval" form (for example, a field designation of "Twentieth-Century Art" would span the years 1900 to 1999). As the scheduled time of the comprehensive examinations approaches, the major and minor area professors turn in questions to the coordinator, who checks that the time-frames and other specifications outlined on the form are covered by the exams. If the coordinator has questions, he or she convenes a meeting of the faculty members on the committee to resolve any issues. The coordinator schedules meetings and chairs the oral part of the comprehensive examinations (ex officio).

Scheduling the written major and minor comprehensive examinations is arranged by the candidate and his or her faculty mentor in consultation with the comprehensive examinations coordinator and the Office of Visual Materials (the Office of Visual Materials is responsible for scheduling rooms in the Art Building).

Note: Students should consult the Academic Secretary at least one month before comprehensive examinations are taken.

Oral Comprehensive Examination:

Within approximately one month of the completion date of the three written exams, the candidate meets with his or her Degree Committee for the oral comprehensive examination. This exam is normally 60 to 90 minutes long and concentrates on questions raised by the written comprehensive exams.

Scheduling the oral comprehensive examination is arranged by the candidate and his or her faculty mentor in consultation with the comprehensive examinations coordinator and the Academic Secretary.

Dissertation Proposal:

As soon as possible after the completion of the comprehensive examinations, the candidate submits a dissertation proposal of approximately 10-15 pages to his or her Faculty Mentor. The Faculty Mentor then arranges a "Dissertation Topic Approval" meeting with the candidate and the members of his or her Degree Committee. The Degree Committee discusses the dissertation proposal with the candidate and offers comments and suggestions. (The candidate must distribute copies of the dissertation proposal to committee members at least two weeks prior to this meeting.) At the approval meeting, or at a subsequent meeting if substantial revisions of the proposal are required, the Degree Committee members sign the "Dissertation Topic Approval" form, which is obtained by the Faculty Mentor from the Academic Secretary prior to the meeting (see page 32). After the form is signed, the Faculty Mentor returns it to the Academic Secretary. The candidate is responsible for delivering a revised copy of his or her dissertation proposal to the Academic Secretary.

The dissertation proposal includes:

ï a 1-2 page abstract

ï a 10-15 page précis (including a review of the state of the field)

ï a bibliography

After the dissertation proposal has been approved by the Degree Committee, the candidate circulates a 1-2 page abstract to the entire Art History Faculty. He or she then presents an approximately 30-minute public lecture about the dissertation topic generally no later than the end of the semester following Degree Committee approval. The candidate schedules this lecture in consultation with the Head of Art History. The lecture can take place only during the Fall or Spring Semester.

For Graduate College rules covering the dissertation, see the Thesis Manual, available at the Graduate College Office, 205 Gilmore Hall. Forms necessary for graduation are obtained from the Academic Secretary (E100 Art Building). Announcements specifying graduation procedures are posted on bulletin boards in the Art Building at the beginning of each semester.

Preliminary Dissertation Copy: A preliminary copy of the dissertation is due to all committee members by midterm of the graduation semester. This copy must be as complete as possible and include photocopies of approved illustrations that will appear in the final dissertation. Committee members review and comment on the preliminary copy and return it to the candidate for final revisions and editing.

First Deposit of Dissertation: The complete dissertation, in final form, must be deposited for its first check in the Graduate College approximately four weeks prior to the end of the semester in which the degree is expected. A final copy is due to all degree committee members at this time. Deadlines are posted each semester on bulletin boards throughout the Art Building and appear in the Schedule of Courses. If students have further questions about thesis requirements, they should consult the Academic Secretary (E100 Art Building).

Final Examination: The completion of a written dissertation, which constitutes an original scholarly contribution to the field, and the successful completion of the final examination (oral defense) of this dissertation, are the last prerequisites to the receipt of the Ph.D. degree. The final examination meeting with the Ph.D. degree committee is normally scheduled for 2 hours. At this time, the Degree Committee signs the Final Examination Report and the Certificate of Approval (two copies).

Final Deposit of Dissertation: After the Degree Committee has accepted the dissertation and signed the Certificate of Approval, two copies of the dissertation, with their copies of the Certificate of Approval, are taken by the student to the Graduate College, 205 Gilmore Hall, by the posted deadline. Any corrections required by the Graduate College Examiner or Degree Committee members must be completed prior to this final deposit.

Note: The Graduate College requires that students complete their dissertations and graduate no more than 5 years after taking their comprehensive examinations.

PREPARING FOR GRADUATION|return to Contents
 
 

All graduate degree candidates must file an Application for Graduate College Degree with the Registrar's Office (1 Jessup Hall) and complete a Plan of Study with the School's Academic Secretary by the deadlines issued by the Graduate College each semester. Deadlines are posted outside the Main Office, E100 Art Building, and listed in the Schedule of Courses.

Application to Graduate:

An Application for Graduate College Degree, obtained from the Registrar's Office (1 Jessup Hall) or the Academic Secretary (E100 Art Building) and signed by the Faculty Mentor, is submitted to the Registrar at or near the beginning of the session in which the degree is to be granted.

The Final Examination:

A final examination is required for all graduate degrees. Art history M.A. candidates defend a written thesis, and Ph.D. candidates defend a dissertation. Final examinations are evaluated by the student's Degree Committee as satisfactory or unsatisfactory, with two unsatisfactory votes making the committee report unsatisfactory.

The final examination may be repeated only once.

Plan of Study:

Applicants for the M.A. or Ph.D. degrees must file a Plan of Study approved by the Graduate Advisor and the Director of the School with the Graduate College within the session in which the degree is to be granted and by the date established by the Graduate Dean. (Deadlines are posted each semester throughout the School.)

The Plan of Study summarizes course and semester-hour requirements for the degree, and is accompanied by the Request for Final Examination form, a transcript of courses completed and a list of courses currently being taken. Students may not change their current registration after filing the Plan of Study unless the change is approved by the Graduate Dean.

The Plan of Study form is completed by the Academic Secretary in consultation with the student in the Main Office (E100 Art Building). It is then taken to the Head of Art History who presents it to the Art History Faculty for approval.

Request for Final Examination:

This form is completed in the Main Office (E100 Art Building) by the Academic Secretary at the same time the Plan of Study is completed. It lists the names of the faculty comprising the Degree Committee. The Graduate Dean must approve each Degree Committee.

Thesis and Dissertation:

Graduate College regulations covering the form of the written thesis and dissertation are in the Thesis Manual, available from the Graduate College Office, 205 Gilmore Hall.
 
 
 
 
 

GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS|return to Contents
 
 

A variety of graduate scholarships and fellowships are available in the School of Art and Art History. In the Art History Division, recipients are selected by a scholarship committee and the Art History Faculty.

Criteria and Procedures for Awards:

Scholarships and Fellowships for the next academic year are awarded at the end of the Spring Semester on the basis of academic achievement and the specific guidelines for each award. The "Application for Graduate Scholarships and Fellowships" form (see page 33) may be obtained from the Director's Secretary in the Main Office (E100 Art Building). Deadline: February 1.

Eligibility:

Any student in the School of Art and Art History Graduate Program who meets the specific criteria may apply for any award. Awards for incoming graduate students are recommended to the Director by the Art History Faculty.

Procedures:

Art history applicants submit a current curriculum vitae; a 500- to 1000-word abstract that describes their research topic; a 500- to 1000-word statement of plan indicating precisely the purpose for which funding is sought (for example, if for travel, the statement should provide a projected itinerary, a list of research facilities that will be visited, and an explanation of why those facilities need to be visited); and an estimated budget for the period of the fellowship, if travel is involved. Deadline: February 1.

The Head of Art History meets with the Art History Faculty (excluding visiting and non-tenure track faculty) in a voting session to receive the recommendations of the fellowship committee and to review, evaluate, and determine the most qualified recipients. Each recipient is determined by the specific criteria of each award. A list of award recipients is posted on the "Graduate Art History Program" Bulletin Board, located outside W142 Art Building, before the end of the Spring Semester each year.
 
 

Selected In-House Graduate Scholarships and Fellowships:
 
 

Margaret and Robert ALEXANDER Scholarship

Eligibility: Ph.D. candidates

Area: Research interest in Western Civilization, including the Ancient Near East.

Award: One award, $1,000

Procedure: Application form due February 1.

Wilhelm and Jane BODINE Fellowship

Eligibility: Graduate Students

Area: Art History and Studio

Award: Four awards, $5,000 each plus in-state tuition rate for year of fellowship.

Procedure: Application form due February 1.

Charles D. CUTTLER Travel Fellowship

Eligibility: Art History Graduate Students (with dissertation topic approval).

Area: European Art History Before 1900

Award: $750

Procedure: Application form due February 1.

Elizabeth Gilmore HOLT Scholarship

Eligibility: Female doctoral candidates (preferably married); preference given to University of Iowa graduates.

Area: Art History

Awards: Number of awards varies; approximately $4,000 total.

Procedure: Application form due February 1.

Henry LUCE FOUNDATION Fellowship

Eligibility: Doctoral candidates

Area: American Art History

Awards: One or two awards, up to $5,000 for travel and research.

Procedure: Application form due February 1.

William S. SAUNDERS Memorial Fellowship

Eligibility: Art History Graduate Students

Area: Art History, preferable Ancient, with emphasis on gender or sexuality issues.

Award: One award, approximately $1,000

Procedure: Application form due February 1.

Lucinda Mendenhalle WILDE Scholarship

Eligibility: Undergraduate or Graduate Students

Area: Art History or Studio

Award: One award, approximately $400

Procedure: Application form due February 1.
 
 

Selected University Graduate Scholarships and Fellowships:

Ada Louisa Ballard and Seashore Dissertation-Year Fellowship

Eligibility: Doctoral candidates who have completed Ph.D. Comprehensive Exams by time

of nomination.

Area: Any area in UI Graduate Programs

Award: Up to fifteen awards; $1100 plus tuition per month, up to one year.

Procedure: In addition to the Graduate College guidelines, art history applicants must also submit a current curriculum vitae. Application must be reviewed and endorsed by student's Faculty Mentor prior to submission for nomination.

Graduate Opportunity Fellowship

Eligibility: Minority Graduate Students

Area: Art History or Studio

Award: One award, $10,000 plus in-state tuition rate for year of fellowship.

Procedure: Considered when students apply to the M.A. or Ph.D. program.

University of Iowa Fellowship

Eligibility: Entering Ph.D. candidates; nominated by Art History Faculty; selected by Graduate College.

Area: Art History

Awards: Number of awards varies; $16,000 plus $5,000 for tuition and fees for this four-year award.

Procedure: Considered when students apply to Ph.D. program.

Information on relevant University Graduate Awards is posted regularly on the "Graduate Art History Program" Bulletin Board located in the Art History Faculty office area outside W142 Art Building.
 
 

External Fellowships:

All graduate students are strongly encouraged to apply for external funding. A folder on reserve in the Art Library, W145 Art Building, has information on annual national fellowships and information about these are posted regularly on bulletin boards. Students are also urged to visit the Research Library, 6 Gilmore Hall, and to consult with their Faculty Mentor and the Graduate Advisor for additional possibilities.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS|return to Contents
 
 

A number of 1/4 time art history Teaching Assistantships are available each year for teaching discussion sections attached to survey courses that satisfy undergraduate General Education Program requirements ("GE" courses). During the Summer Session 1/4 time Teaching Assistants are available for art history courses taught at the beginning level. Quarter-time assistantships require ten hours of work time each week. Although tuition is paid by the assistant, the awarding of any assistantship (1/4 time minimum) entitles the student to tuition at the in-state rate.

A 1/2 time Research Assistantship is awarded each year (twenty hours of work time) with curators in the University of Iowa Museum of Art. This assistantship is funded jointly by the School of Art and Art History and the Museum of Art. After the Annual Graduate Student Review (see pages 21-22), the Art History Faculty provides the Director of the Museum of Art with the names of advanced qualified candidates for consideration.

T.A. or R.A. appointment for one term is no guarantee of re-appointment for a subsequent term. Every year each applicant is considered in the context of the entire pool of applicants for that year. A student holding an assistantship must be a candidate for an advanced degree, must be making acceptable progress toward that degree, and must be registered for the following minimum and maximum course loads:

Fall or Spring SemesterSummer Session

minimum maximum minimum maximum

1/2 time 4 s.h. 12 s.h. 0 s.h. 6 s.h.

1/4 time 6 s.h. 15 s.h. 0 s.h. 8 s.h.

Guidelines for Appointment of Teaching Assistants:

Fall and Spring Semesters:

The assignment and assessment of T.A.s are reviewed each Spring before appointments are recommended to the Director by the Art History Faculty.

Qualified art history graduate students who wish to apply for T.A. positions must submit the Application for Graduate Awards Form (see page 36) available from the Academic Secretary, E100 Art Building, along with a current curriculum vitae, emphasizing the applicant's earlier teaching experience and/or relevant course experience.

Deadline: Applications must be submitted to the Academic Secretary, E100 Art Building, by February 1.

The Director, with the advice of the Art History Faculty, ensures that teaching assistantships are awarded to students who demonstrate excellent qualifications and that the appointments are made according to procedures which would guarantee equal opportunities to all who are qualified. T.A.s whose native language is not English must be certified by taking and passing the English Proficiency Examination administered by the University.

T.A. appointments are announced as soon as possible before the end of the Spring Semester. Some appointments that depend upon budgetary and other contingencies may not be announced until they are financially guaranteed. All definite positions are announced by letter as soon as decisions have been made.

Art history graduate students enrolled in a degree program must maintain at least a 3.50 grade-point average and have demonstrated excellence in their course of study. Students must be registered during the semester(s) of appointment.

First consideration is given to students who are working on the Ph.D. degree. Next consideration is given to exceptional M.A. students.

All teaching assistantship appointments are posted on the "Graduate Art History Program" Bulletin Board outside W142 Art Building. All appointments are normally for the academic year that begins 3 days before the first day of classes and terminates on the last day of final exam week.

Summer Session:

During the Spring Semester, the Head of Art History posts a sign-up sheet for each course being offered in the Summer Session so that qualified students may apply. Applicants need to have an Application for Graduate Awards Form on file in the Main office (E100 Art Building), and a current curriculum vitae emphasizing the applicant's teaching experience and relevant background. Procedures of selection follow the same guidelines established for academic-year appointments.

T.A. Responsibilities:

1. Each T.A. must attend every lecture given by the instructor and arrive promptly, regardless of his/her familiarity with the subject treated.

2. Each T.A. must attend the weekly meeting designed to prepare material for discussion sections and be responsible for whatever tasks have been assigned by the instructor.

3. If, for unforeseen and serious reasons, a T.A. must miss a discussion section, the T.A. must inform the instructor as soon as possible so that other arrangements may be made. Under no

circumstances may a discussion section be canceled or a teacher substituted without the knowledge and approval of the instructor.

4. T.A.s are responsible for the grading of examinations and papers and should do so expeditiously. In some courses, T.A.s may be responsible for preparation of examinations and other assignments, with the assistance of the instructor. Grading policies should be determined by all T.A.s and the instructor as a group to ensure fairness and consistency.

5. T.A.s should establish and maintain office hours when they are available for student consultation.

6. Student complaints about individual T.A.s or any aspect of the course should be referred to the instructor or the Head of Art History.

7. ACE Evaluations should be administered in each discussion section by the T.A. at or near the end of the course.
 
 
 
 

Instructor's Responsibilities to T.A.s:

1. The instructor may be thought of as the "captain" in what is essentially a "team effort" to teach art history to a large number of undergraduates, most of whom have had little or no exposure to the subject. The instructor should be accessible to T.A.s and students, and should co-ordinate all activities connected with the course in a fair and expeditious manner.

2. The instructor should direct the weekly preparation meetings and make clear, at the outset, any special T.A. responsibilities (e.g., collecting slide trays, preparing the lecture room) and/or assignments (e.g., preparing discussion section lectures, examinations) and grading policies.

3. The instructor must make every effort to be consistent and fair in his/her treatment of T.A.s and students enrolled in the course. Particular attention must be given to requests for make-up exams, late papers or other assignments. Policies should be established, with the T.A.s, to ensure that all of these matters are treated in a consistent manner.

4. The instructor will attend at least two discussion section lectures for each T.A. during the semester. Preferably one of these will be near the beginning of the course and one near the end. After each, the instructor should offer a frank and candid constructive evaluation, in private, of the positive and negative features of the T.A.'s performance.

5. The instructor will administer ACE Evaluations for the lecture portion of the course and review the ACE forms of the discussion sections with the relevant T.A. after the course ends.

Note: For additional information T.A.s should consult the Handbook for Teaching Assistants at the University of Iowa, available from the Office of the Provost, 111 Jessup Hall.
 
 

Guidelines for Appointment of Research Assistants:

Fall and Spring Semesters:

The assignment and number of research assistantships is reviewed each Spring before appointments are recommended to the Director by the Art History Faculty.

Art history graduate students enrolled in a degree program must maintain at least a 3.50 grade-point average and have demonstrated excellence in their course of study. Students must be registered during the semester(s) of appointment.

First consideration is given to students who are working on their Ph.D. degrees; exceptional M.A. degree candidates are considered next.

To insure the general satisfaction of faculty and students in the appointment of qualified graduate students as research assistants the following procedures are followed:

The assignment of research assistants to any area is reviewed each Spring before appointments are recommended to the Director by the Art History Faculty.

The Director, with the advice of the Art History Faculty, makes certain that research assistantships are awarded to students who demonstrate excellent qualifications and that the appointments are made according to procedures that guarantee equal opportunities to all qualified applicants.

Faculty members primarily responsible for the direction and duties of R.A.s select graduate students who are qualified for the positions.

Appointments of R.A.s are announced as soon as possible before the end of the Spring Semester. Some appointments that depend upon budgetary and other contingencies may not be announced until they are financially guaranteed. All definite positions are announced by letter as soon as decisions have been made.

A graduate student may receive an academic-year reappointment only once for a research assistantship.

Summer Session:

Normally there are no research assistantships assigned for the Summer Session, but when such appointments take place, procedures of selection follow the same guidelines established for the academic year.
 
 

Retention, Review, and Dismissal Procedures for T.A.s and R.A.s:

The faculty assist, advise, and oversee teaching and research assistants in the performance of their duties. The mechanics of this oversight and the criteria of performance are left to the discretion of the individual faculty member who is directly responsible for the student, but both mechanics and criteria are made known to the Head of Art History and to the individual teaching or research assistant.

The faculty member directly responsible for a teaching or research assistant's duties is obliged to report in writing on the performance of the student to the Head of Art History before the end of the student's first semester of appointment.

Documentation of satisfactory performance is necessary for the re-appointment of a graduate student as a teaching assistant or a research assistant.

If a faculty member is not satisfied with a student's performance as a teaching assistant or a research assistant, before instituting the Graduate Assistant Dismissal Policy procedures as approved by the Board of Regents, November 14, 1969, and published in the University of Iowa Operations Manual (the published policy statement may be obtained from the Director of the School or from the Graduate College, 205 Gilmore Hall), the procedures will be as follows, if requested by either party:

Advice is given to the student about reasons for dissatisfaction and ways for improvement.

Continued dissatisfaction and reasons for it should be recorded in writing and given to the Head of Art History. A copy of this report is presented to the student.

The Head of Art History calls a meeting with the individual faculty member and the student.

If necessary, the Head of Art History then presents the case to the Director for advise.

The Art History Faculty meets with the student and the faculty member to review the situation. For this meeting, the Art History Faculty is augmented by three students from the Art History Society. Additional relevant faculty or students may participate in the presentation of evidence at the discretion of the faculty member or student involved.

The student and faculty member have the right to appeal to the Director even before they proceed to the rules and regulations for dismissal as established by the Graduate College.

SATURDAY & EVENING TEACHING|return to Contents
 
 

Graduate students in the Division of Art History have the opportunity to teach in the University of Iowa's Saturday and Evening Program.

Application Guidelines:

1. The applicant must be a doctoral candidate in good standing with a record of successful teaching experience and have a brief letter of endorsement from his/her Faculty Mentor attached to the application. This letter should address the specific merits of the course proposal.

2. Each proposal must include a cover letter from the applicant highlighting his/her qualifications for teaching the proposed course, an application form (available from the Head of Art History or from the Main Office, E100 Art Building), a curriculum vitae, a cogent course description, a detailed syllabus, and a course bibliography from which the reading assignments are to be drawn. The course description should elucidate material to be covered, objectives of the course, and the ways in which objectives will be realized (examinations, papers, student presentations, in-class participation, etc.). Office hours, required books, mode and basis of grading, and any other relevant information should also be included. The detailed syllabus should specify topics to be covered each week, reading assignments, a schedule of exams, paper assignments, etc.

3. Guidelines from the College of Liberal Arts and the Graduate College require that courses taught independently by graduate students must be restricted to undergraduate enrollment. Therefore, the Art History Faculty only consider courses numbered below the 100-level. Proposed courses are normally at the survey or intermediate level. In the past, upper-level courses have been canceled at the last moment by the Saturday & Evening Program due to lack of enrollment.

4. Because of the demand for slides, graduate students can only propose courses that are not being taught by an art history professor in any given semester. A list of upcoming courses is usually posted on the "Graduate Art History Program" Bulletin Board (outside W142 Art Building); otherwise, applicants should check with the Head of Art History before submitting proposals.

5. Course proposals are expected to meet the highest professional standards and are evaluated by the entire Art History Faculty.
 

ANNUAL GRADUATE STUDENT REVIEW|return to Contents

During the Spring Semester of each academic year the Art History Faculty conducts a review of graduate student standing and progress towards the degree. At least six weeks prior to the review each graduate student receives an Annual Review form (see page 34 - 35) to complete concerning his/her progress. After consulting with his/her Faculty Mentor, the student completes the form and returns it to the Head of Art History for review. Relevant information is then presented by the Head of Art History and the Faculty Mentor to the Art History Faculty at the review meeting. Both the Annual Review form and a copy of the Art History Faculty response become part of the student's permanent file.

STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCES AND SYMPOSIA|return to Contents

Advanced graduate students are encouraged to participate in professional conferences and symposia. This should be undertaken in consultation with a Faculty Mentor or other appropriate faculty member. All abstracts should be reviewed by a faculty member prior to being submitted to the sponsoring organization or institution. Papers accepted for presentation will be given at the School prior to the conference. These presentations, normally 20-minutes in length, are scheduled by the Head of Art History. They are open to all faculty and graduate students in the Art History Division.

Each April the Art Institute of Chicago sponsors the "Graduate Student Seminar" at which a representative from each of the major art history graduate programs in the region gives a paper. Students interested in being selected for this opportunity should speak to the Head of Art History early in the Spring Semester. Procedures as indicated above should be followed.

PROCEDURES FOR APPEALING FACULTY DECISIONS|return to Contents

Any student may appeal any decision made by the faculty as to:

ï academic standing

ï non-acceptance of an M.A. thesis

ï non-acceptance of performance on the M.A. or Ph.D. comprehensive examinations

ï non-acceptance of a Ph.D. dissertation

by requesting the Head of Art History, with the advise of the Art History Faculty, to appoint an appeals committee of six members composed of four faculty members (two from fields not involved) and two students (from the fields involved) whose names are selected by the Art History Society. The membership of this committee must be acceptable to the student who is making the appeal. This committee addresses itself only to answering the question of whether or not the procedures as established by the School of Art and Art History in its Manual of Operations have been adhered to correctly.

STUDENT EVALUATION OF FACULTY|return to Contents

Format and procedures for student evaluation of faculty and graduate student teaching assistants:

The ACE ("Assessing the Classroom Environment") evaluation questionnaire is created by the faculty of the School of Art and Art History. Each faculty member and each T.A. is evaluated for every class each semester. The evaluation is carried out during the last half of each semester at a time considered appropriate by the individual faculty member or T.A. (must be before the final exam is administered).

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES|return to Contents

Grievance procedures for undergraduate and graduate students:

The following procedure is adopted when after (1) a preliminary discussion with the Director of the School of Art and Art History and (2) a joint meeting of the concerned and the Director, a student or students continue to wish to declare a grievance against a faculty member, or members, or the School's policy, or the Director's decision.

The student or students write a letter stating the nature of the grievance and the names of three individuals (faculty or students) to accompany them at any scheduled conference and send a copy to the concerned party or parties.

Upon receipt of this letter, the Director assembles the School's Council as a Grievance Committee within two weeks of the date on which the letter of grievance was received.

To this Grievance Committee meeting the Director invites the student and the three individuals suggested by the student, as well as those who have been accused, and no more than three individuals whom they may wish to have in attendance.

The decision of the School's Grievance Committee may then be appealed by invoking the grievance procedures of the College of Liberal Arts or the Graduate College.

In addition to the Schools' procedures there are other avenues through which students may proceed. These are covered in the manual "Policies and Regulations Affecting Students," which is available in the Office of Academic Affairs, 114 Jessup Hall. Students also are free to consult with the ombudsperson or the Vice-President for Academic Affairs.

JOB PLACEMENT|return to Contents

The School helps its students in every possible way to find teaching and/or professional positions upon completion of the degree programs. Each qualified student will be encouraged to maintain a file in the Placement Office (24 Phillips Hall). Recommendations are written by faculty when requested by students. Incoming letters announcing job openings are posted opposite the "Graduate Program in Art History" Bulletin Board outside W142 Art Building. CAA Job Listings are on file in the Main Office (E100 Art Building). These announcements are supplemented through meetings and individual counseling.

As far as possible, the School circulates the names of qualified students, particularly terminal M.A. and Ph.D. candidates, to inquiring and appropriate art history departments throughout the country. The Director, the Head of Art History, and the Art History Faculty also assist students in finding employment through personal letters to executives or faculty of other departments and through informal conversations with departmental representatives at professional meetings.

There are offices on campus available to students for Graduate Awards/Grants and job information. These are located in the Division of Sponsored Programs (100 Gilmore Hall) and the Center for Career Development and Cooperative Education (315 Calvin Hall).

 

DIVISION OF ART HISTORY ADMINISTRATION|return to Contents

Head of Art History: The Head of Art History prepares agendas, schedules and chairs Art History Division Faculty meetings; oversees the Art History Division budget; organizes and coordinates faculty searches, including visits of candidates; oversees and coordinates visits of outside lecturers in the Art History Distinguished Lecturer Series; coordinates office, classroom, and other space needs; maintains the art history bulletin board, posts notices, monitors compliance with deadlines; coordinates course scheduling and ensures all required courses and an appropriate range of courses are being offered (i.e., oversees the distribution of service courses among the Art History Faculty); recommends and coordinates summer course offerings; reviews course catalogue and schedule of courses proofs; works with the Undergraduate and Graduate Advisors and counsels students with special problems and requests; writes letters to the Director on behalf of petitioning graduate students (e.g., degree time extensions) and on behalf of all requests from the Art History Faculty; monitors degree committees for the M.A. and Ph.D.; works closely with the graduate admissions committee on recruitment; oversees and facilitates fellowship applications or nominations and writes letters of recommendation; coordinates the Art History Colloquium; organizes and hosts the annual student/faculty reception; chairs annual graduate student meeting; coordinates R.A. and T.A. appointments, including T.A. assignments to the Saturday and Evening Program. Finally, the Head of Art History serves as liaison between the Art History Faculty and the Art Library, and the Office of Visual Materials.

Graduate Advisor: The Graduate Advisor serves as advisor for all graduate students in the art history programs except for those who, having passed the Ph.D. comprehensive examinations, are formally declared doctoral candidates. The Graduate Advisor insures uniform dissemination of information, monitors adherence to requirements, and oversees timely progress toward the degree.

All graduate students must meet with the Graduate Advisor prior to the beginning of each semester. The Graduate Advisor approves course registration and provides registration code numbers.

Faculty Mentor: When a graduate student has identified a specific art historical field of specialization, a professor in that area becomes his/her Faculty Mentor. The Faculty Mentor's primary responsibility to the student is to advise him/her in the selection of an appropriate thesis or dissertation topic. The Faculty Mentor guides M.A. students in the writing of their theses and counsels Ph.D. candidates in determining areas for their comprehensive exams, offers constructive criticism of dissertation proposals and presentations, and monitors the writing of the dissertation. Of course, even after a student has chosen a Faculty Mentor, he/she should continue to consult other members of the Art History Faculty for advice.

Academic Secretary: The Academic Secretary (E100 Art Building) assists graduate students with completing, in a timely fashion, the various forms required to facilitate progress toward their degrees. These include: Annual Review form (see page 34 - 35); Plan of Study; M.A. Checklist (see page 36); M.A. Thesis Committee Approval (see page 29); Ph.D. Checklist (see page 37); Ph.D. Comprehensives Committee Approval (see page 30); Ph.D. Dissertation Committee Approval (see page 31); Ph.D. Topic Approval Form (see page 32).

Note: The completion of many of these forms requires consultation with both the student's Faculty Mentor and the Graduate Advisor.

Graduate students, whether they are on campus or not, should supply a current address and telephone number to the Academic Secretary (E100 Art Building) and the Registrar's Office (1 Jessup Hall).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION|return to Contents
 
 

Visual Materials Fee:

All students are assessed a Visual Materials Fee of $15.00 for each art history lecture course or seminar for which they register. Art History courses without fees are "Directed Studies" (1H:300), "M.A. Written Thesis" (1H:302), "Ph.D. Thesis" (1H:402), and "Ph.D. Post-Comprehensive" continuing registration. Fees are added to the student's university bill ("U-Bill"). These fees help to defray the costs of adding to, replacing, and maintaining the visual materials collection and its projection equipment.

Art History Society:

All art history students automatically belong to the Art History Society, a student organization supported by the University that is responsible for organizing and hosting an annual national graduate student symposium, a lecture series, and other activities. The Art History Faculty strongly supports this organization. All students are encouraged to attend meetings and participate in the society's activities regularly posted on the Art History Society Bulletin Board located between E107 and E109 Art Building.

Graduate Student Mailboxes:

All registered graduate students are given a "mailbox" for School and University communications. (Personal mail is sent to the student's home address. Therefore, he/she should keep his/her address current by informing the Registrar's Office, 1 Jessup Hall, or by changing it through the ISIS system.) The "mailboxes" are file folders with the name of each student and are identified by area. They are kept in the mail room (E106 Art Building) on the first floor of the east wing of the Art Building. Students should check their mailboxes periodically. They may post campus mail or stamped personal mail in the Main Office (E100 Art Building).

Telephones:

Telephones are located near the west entrance of the Art Building, in the hallway of the printmaking area, and outside the photography darkrooms. These are free for campus and local calls, but are not open for long-distance calls. Pay phones are located in the Iowa Memorial Union across the Iowa River from the Art Building.

Selected Facilities:

The ART BUILDING is located on the Fine Arts Campus along the west bank of the Iowa River adjacent to the University of Iowa Museum of Art. All classes in art history are taught in the Art Building. All Art History Faculty offices, including the offices of the Head of Art History and the Graduate Advisor, are located in the Art Building. The administrative offices, including that of the Director and the Academic Secretary, are located in the Main Office (E100 Art Building). See Ground Plan of Art Building, page 28.

The ART LIBRARY is located on the first floor of the Art Building. Most materials related to courses or of particular interest to art history majors are located here. The Art Library contains approximately 80,000 volumes and subscribes to over 150 periodicals and has an extensive microfilm and microfiche archive. In addition, the University of Iowa Main Library houses many books and periodicals on art, art history, archaeology, anthropology, literature, history, and other areas of interest to art historians.

The OFFICE OF VISUAL MATERIALS contains over 300,000 slides, a videotape library, and a videodisc facility that includes an extensive research videodisc of African Art.

The University of Iowa MUSEUM OF ART, located just north of the Art Building, has a significant permanent collection that includes major holdings of contemporary art, African and Pre-Columbian art, English and American silver, European and American prints, drawings and photographs, and Etruscan, Iranian, and contemporary American ceramics. As well as serving as a resource for research in a wide variety of art historical areas, the museum offers a program of exhibitions, lectures, and recitals.

The EVE DREWELOWE COLLECTION consists of over 500 paintings, sculptures, works on paper, personal papers, photographs, and ephemera created and collected by Eve Drewelowe, the first woman in the United States to receive an M.F.A. in painting (University of Iowa, 1924). The diverse collection is remarkable for its comprehensive representation of the artistic development of a woman artist in the twentieth century. It is available both to student researchers and scholars from around the country.