Course Description
The history of architecture from antiquity to the present focuses on the evolution of building techniques and materials over the centuries. Focuses in particular on developments over the past two hundred years, particularly the role of engineers and engineering in the rise of modern architecture.
Athena Title
History of Architecture
Prerequisite
Any HIST course or ENGL 1101 or ENGL 1101E or ENGL 1101S or ENGL 1102 or ENGL 1102E or ENGL 1102S or POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101H or POLS 1101S
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- By the end of this course, students will be able to arrive at conclusions about the history of architecture and engineering by gathering and weighing evidence, logical argument, and listening to counter argument.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to write stylistically appropriate papers and essays. Students will be able to analyze ideas and evidence, organize their thoughts, and revise and edit their finished essays.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to identify how the history of architecture shaped diverse social and cultural attitudes toward cities, buildings, and the notion of progress, encouraging them to understand diverse worldviews and experiences.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to apply appropriate methodological approaches to their analysis of primary sources and to organize their evidence to show historical continuities and discontinuities.
Topical Outline
- Week 1: First Settlements and Structures
- Week 2: Architecture in Antiquity: Greece and Rome
- Week 3: Building Techniques in Asia and Africa
- Week 4: Medieval and Gothic Innovations
- Week 5: The Rise of New Materials: Glass and Iron
- Week 6: Stone Skins, Steel Skeletons
- Week 7: Fireproofing, Elevators, Plumbing, Ventilation
- Week 8: The Skyscraper: Origins and Development
- Week 9: Building Codes, Zoning, and Standards
- Week 10: Mass Production and Architecture
- Week 11: Modern Pyramids: Public Works Projects
- Week 12: Modernism and the International Style
- Week 13: Revolutions: Computers, Engineering, Architecture
- Week 14: Green Building and Climate Change
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Communication
The ability to effectively develop, express, and exchange ideas in written, oral, interpersonal, or visual form.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
