Course Description

Architecture is the one art form that is inescapable as it provides the environment for our daily lives. Through analysis of architectural history’s “greatest hits” we will examine how architecture affects our lives. In what ways does it shape our experiences, how does it enhance or detract from our activities? These are among the questions that will be asked from both historical and contemporary perspectives. This course will cover material from the pre-historic period through c. 1420. Classes will be a combination of lectures and discussions as students are taught the fundamentals of architectural history as well as how to analyze buildings.

Requirements

Requirements include assigned readings, class attendance (both lecture and discussion section) and participation, 2 tests, a final exam and a short paper. Final grades for the course will be based on grades assigned for the tests, paper, attendance, and discussion section participation. The tests will be based on assigned readings and the monuments studied in class. The images for the tests will be drawn from those shown in class. Information for identifying the sites (date, architect, location, etc) will be provided at the beginning of each class.

Readings

Marilyn Stokstad Art History 3rd edition vols. 1-3, Sylvan Barnet, A Short Guide to Writing about Art 9th edition and Fleming, Honour and Pevsner, The Penguin Dictionary of Architecture. Additional readings are available from the Resources section of the course Collab site.