How to Study for an Art History Exam

Organize your papers for easy access while you're studying for your art history test.

Studying for art history can be a very complex endeavor. With all the names of artists and paintings to remember, facts can flood your head and make recall difficult. Studying for your art history test will be easier if you have attended all the classes and completed the assigned readings. However, don't panic if you have not been perfect in your ongoing art history study efforts. That just means you will have to study a little harder.

Things You'll Need

• Index cards

Instructions

1. Skim through the sections of your art history book that will be included on your test. Create an outline of the important art movements, artists and paintings, along with key facts about each.

2. Make flashcards to quiz yourself on themes, facts or vocabulary words. Write a question on one side of the card and the answer on the other. To test yourself on pieces of art, photocopy a miniature image of the piece and place it one on side of an index card, with its name and artist on the other side.

3. Study somewhere quiet where you won't be distracted by temptations such as television. Try your local library or a cafe.

4. Hold a study party with fellow students a few days before the test. Buy pizza and soda and brew coffee. Quiz and teach each other on the relevant chapters of your art history book.

5. Review all the notes that you took during class lectures. Highlight sections that you particularly want to remember. In subsequent reviews of your notes, review only the highlighted sections to help the review time go faster.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a short attention span, try studying with a buddy to make it more fun.

References

• Middle Tennessee State University: Tips for Art History Students
• University of Illinois at Chicago; Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs; Academic Center for Excellence; Student to Student Study Tips

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish