Hi Betsy!
I was just admitted to Rochester's program of Visual and Cultural Studies and have been in contact with their current graduate students and faculty. From what I've learned, the VCS program concerns (as you mentioned) more visual mediums and is heavy on the study of Critical Theory. It is also interdisciplinary in nature and encourages students to take courses in other humanities departments (Literature, philosophy, psychoanalysis, etc..) Thus, it would be a great place to go if you are interested in the social/political/economic functions of art.
However, I've noticed that the entire department of Art History at Rochester does not have a faculty whose area of specialty is pre-modern art. So I guess you wouldn't get that kind of traditional art historical training where you learn "the history" chronologically (ancient, renaissance, baroque, modern...) but whether this is a pro or a con is totally dependent on your thought!
Hope this is somewhat helpful!