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

Anyone who informs themselves about the possibilities of studying art history in Kassel will inevitably come across the fact that the university does not offer art history, but art science as a course of study. This raises the question of what the relationship between the two subjects is and how they differ from each other.

In principle, students with a degree in art science have access to all the subject areas and professional opportunities that a degree in art history also offers. The only difference between Kassel Art Studies and "classical" art history is the interdisciplinary opening of the course. In addition to the two professorships for Middle and Modern Art History, the Kassel department is distinguished on the one hand by another for Art History (20th and 21st century). On the other hand, a professorship for Philosophy and a professorship for Art and Knowledge in connection with the documenta Institute expand the profile of the program. These complement the teaching in Kassel with thematic foci such as the philosophy of art, the theory of curatorial practice, and exhibition studies.

The location of art studies in the premises of the Kunsthochschule also provides close links to the art teaching and artistic study programs. The immediate proximity to these promotes the interdisciplinary nature of the art history program and contributes to the openness and breadth of art studies.