Introduction to the Art World
MET AR 520
This course provides students with an opportunity to become familiar with the vocabulary, institutions, processes, forces, and issues that define the landscape of the contemporary art world. An examination of the institutions and actors that comprise the Art World and significant recent trends. This course utilizes a model for the art world that posits an arts ecosystem consisting of four interrelated spheres: 1) Individuals; 2) Government; 3) the Nonprofit Sector; 4) the Private Sector. We will explore how the stakeholders in the art world (critics, curators, historians, administrators, government officials, performers, and artists) connect and interact with each other while engaging with significant institutions (cultural organizations, government, foundations) and the public to affect the cultural history of our time. This is the gateway course in the Arts Administration Program, and is usually taken in the first semester. [Non-Arts Administration students contact the Arts Administration Program at artsad@bu.edu. METAR 520 is a pre-requisite for METAR 615]
FALL 2026 Schedule
| Section | Instructor | Location | Schedule | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | O'Neal | COM 215 | W 6:00 pm-8:45 pm | Previously METAR 690 |
FALL 2026 Schedule
| Section | Instructor | Location | Schedule | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O1 | O'Neal | ARR 12:00 am-12:00 am | Previously METAR 690 Students are assigned to class sections of about 20 with a member of the teaching team. Student visa holders must contact their advisor for approval before registering for any online class. |
Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the MyBU Student Portal for the most up-to-date course information.

