Architectural History

Offered in:

SAVANNAH

ARLH 150 Architectural History in Savannah
This course introduces students to field of architectural history through the study of Savannah and the surrounding region. Lectures, discussions, guest speakers and numerous site visits and tours allow students to discover both the wide-ranging nature of the field and the defining historic characteristics of Savannah. Students explore different ways of reading the built environment through firsthand observation and the use of historical documents. Emphasis is placed on practical skills and an understanding of broad historical frameworks.

ARLH 200 Reading and Writing in Architectural History
Writing is the cornerstone of the architectural historian’s craft. Students in this course read and analyze selected writings about architecture, urbanism and the landscape as they develop their own writing skills. Emphasis is given to four aspects of architectural writing: description, analysis, interpretation and criticism. Prerequisites: ARTH 110, ENGL 123.

ARLH 206 Modern Architecture I: 1750-1900
Beginning with the basis of modern architectural theory extending back to the mid-18th century, this course traces the progress of theory and design through the end of the 19th century. The phases of historicism are examined in detail, with added attention to urban planning and technological advances in architecture. Prerequisites: ARTH 110, ENGL 123.

ARLH 208 Modern Architecture II: 1900-Present
This lecture course surveys and explores 20th-century architecture, urbanism and architectural theory principally in Europe and North America. Attention is given to the concept of modernity in an increasingly industrial, commercial, secular and international world as embodied both in acknowledged modernist masterpieces and in alternatives to mainstream modernism. Prerequisites: ARLH 206, ENGL 123.

ARLH 211 Survey of World Architecture and Urbanism
This course surveys the architecture and urbanism of China, Japan, Africa, India, the Muslim world, the South Pacific and the native cultures of the Americas from prehistory to the present. A comparative approach is used to illustrate how different cultural, religious and philosophical values and goals greatly affect built form. Emphasis is placed on the social and historical context of the sites discussed, and special attention is paid to vernacular traditions. Prerequisites: ARTH 110, ENGL 123.

ARLH 213 Documenting the Built Environment
This course is intended primarily for students for whom documenting the built environment is a valuable skill. A wide range of lectures, discussions, workshops, fieldwork and assignments explores documentation of buildings and structures from historical, theoretical, aesthetic and practical points of view. Prerequisite: ARTH 110, ENGL 123.

ARLH 236 European Architecture: 1400-1750
“Architecture aims at the eternal,” said Sir Christopher Wren. Renaissance architects pursued this goal through the vehicle of an ancient and uncannily compelling language of architecture known as the classical. This course examines the development of that language in buildings, designs, city plans and architectural theories from 15th-century Florence to 18th-century England. The social, political, and religious contexts of Renaissance and Baroque architecture are given special consideration. Prerequisites: ARTH 110, ENGL 123.

ARLH 306 Reading Urban Form
This course examines cities, the theaters in which history performs. The processes of building and rebuilding leave behind countless layers of evidence. Reading urban form is a key to understanding the real meaning of places. This course offers a hands-on exploration of transformations and continuities in urban design over two millennia from some of the richest examples in the world. Prerequisites: ARTH 110, ENGL 123.

ARLH 307 American Architecture and Urbanism
This course examines North American architecture and urbanism from Colonial times to the present. Themes include domesticity, technology, commerce, politics, religion and institutional form. Special attention is given to such issues as the transmission and transformation of European influences, the development of regional patterns, and the emergence of uniquely American architectural and urban forms. Directed research is a significant part of the course. Prerequisites: ARTH 110, ENGL 123.

ARLH 308 History of Urban Form
This course surveys urban form from its origins in ancient Mesopotamia to the controversies over contemporary urbanism, as well as analyzes ideal cities. Architecture, public space, city planning and public works are considered in relation to the social, political, economic and religious context of the city. Prerequisites: ARTH 110, ENGL 123.

ARLH 309 Villa and Garden
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Alhambra, Versailles, Monticello and Falling Water are all products of a restless longing for a peaceful and contemplative life in the country, where art and nature coexist in ideal harmony. This course explores the architectural and social history of country houses, villas and gardens from antiquity to the 21st century. Special attention is given to garden literature, landscape theory, the rise of public parks and the development of suburbia. Prerequisites: ARTH 110, ENGL 123.

ARLH 310 American Vernacular Architecture
This course examines the history, characteristics and meaning of North American vernacular architecture, in particular that 95 percent of the built domain that does not exemplify academic “high style” design. Topics include ethnic traditions in built form; the architecture of traditional American houses; agrarian, industrial and commercial buildings; the influence of the automobile on the built environment; and issues of vernacular landscape. Prerequisites: ARTH 110, ENGL 123.

ARLH 315 British Colonial Architecture in America
Students investigate historical, architectural and other factors that shaped the built environment of British colonial America. Lectures highlight English architecture, design and construction and the impact they had on public and private architecture, city planning and other aspects of the colonial American lifestyle such as interior arrangement and furnishings. Topics related to building preservation of key colonial monuments are also addressed. Prerequisite: ARLH 208 or ARTH 207.

ARLH 321 Ancient Architecture in Context
The ancient Greeks and Romans developed a remarkable range of building types to accommodate their religious, political and social practices. This course approaches ancient Greek and Roman architecture by considering how the intended use of these structures related to architectural form, decoration and location and stresses, in particular, the value of primary sources and archaeological material in enriching the understanding of built form during these eras. Prerequisites: ARTH 110, ENGL 123.

ARLH 325 Islamic Art and Architecture
This course examines the evolution of art and architecture in the medieval Islamic world using a chronological and regional approach, ranging from the large unified empires of the Umayyads and Abbasids to the smaller successor states in Islamic Spain, sub-Saharan Africa and Mughal India. The course investigates the origins and nature of Islamic religion and culture and introduces students to the development of a unique Arab-Muslim civilization. Prerequisites: ARTH 110, ENGL 123.

ARLH 336 Romanesque Art and Architecture
This course surveys the art and architecture of the Romanesque period, from the 10th through the 12th centuries. The course focuses on the development of Romanesque architecture and monumental sculpture but also includes manuscript illumination and the “minor arts.” Emphasis is placed on the social context of the monument, as explored through selected readings from original sources. Prerequisites: ARTH 110, ENGL 123.

ARLH 344 African Art and Architecture
This course explores the indigenous art, architecture and cities of Africa, viewing the continent not as a region of cultural unity but as an interconnected territory with a long and varied history. The art and architecture begin in the ancient world with the development of urban civilizations in Egypt, Nubia, Kush and Aksum; continue into medieval times with the rise of kingdoms and trading empires in both East and West Africa; and continue into colonial times. Prerequisites: ARTH 110, ENGL 123.

ARLH 355 Gothic Art and Architecture
This course surveys the art and architecture of the Gothic period, from the early 12th century to the late 14th century. The course focuses on the development of Gothic architecture, sculpture and stained glass but also encompasses manuscript illumination, metal work and ivory carving. Emphasis is placed on the social context of the monuments, as explored through selected readings from original sources. Prerequisites: ARTH 110, ENGL 123.

ARLH 360 Architectural New York
This course examines two distinct facets: surviving monuments that illustrate the revivalism of the 19th century, and the development of the skyscraper during the 20th century, together with their various manifestations by important architects. Students record observations in journals and deliver on-site presentations in New York City. Final papers and/or projects are produced as statements of the discoveries and experiences of the students. Prerequisite: ARTH 110.

ARLH 361 American Cultural Landscape
This lecture class addresses a variety of North American landscapes and how they link social groups and their spaces. Subjects include everyday homes, highways, factories, stores and recreation areas from the colonial era to the present. The guiding approach assumes that examining ordinary landscapes can help us understand the environmental experience and meaning of the majority of Americans. Prerequisite: ARLH 208 or ARTH 207.

ARLH 363 World Vernacular Architecture
Vernacular architectural traditions are explored from a global perspective as a broad-ranging, but selective, study of specific cultures and regions. The primary focus of the course is on domestic architecture and settlement forms, but also includes some vernacular religious and ceremonial structures. Through this course students acquire an appreciation of the range of building traditions found around the world, and explore the connection between architectural forms and the societies that created them. Prerequisite: ARTH 110.

ARLH 375 Savannah: Architecture and Urban History
Savannah is a rare American city that possesses a distinctive local identity, yet its evolution mirrors broader trends. This course examines the various historical forces that have shaped the city by investigating different urban and architectural topics in a roughly chronological sequence. Topics include the Savannah plan, religion, workers and slaves, charitable institutions, forts, industrialization, local house forms, suburbanization and the preservation movement. Prerequisite: ARLH 208 or ARTH 207.

ARLH 401 Architectural Theory and Criticis
This course explores how architects and theorists have attempted to conceptualize the essence of architecture. Through class readings (drawn from Vitruvius, Leon Alberti, John Ruskin, Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin and Le Corbusier, among others) and discussions, students encounter the varied kinds of critical thought that have been applied to the field of architecture throughout history. Prerequisite: ARLH 208.

ARLH 404 Power and the Built Environment
This course explores the many ways that social, political and economic power relations have shaped the built environment and the human experience of it throughout history. The embodiment of power is examined within a range of scales, building types and social contexts, including urban design, public institutions, commemorative monuments, and corporate buildings. Extensive readings, class discussions, and presentations challenge students to develop critical thinking and communication skills. Prerequisite: ARLH 208 or ARTH 207.

ARLH 408 Monastic Architecture of the Western World
This seminar explores the history and development of monastic architecture in medieval and Renaissance Europe and the transference and assimilation of European traditions in the New World up to the present. The course focuses on architecture from a contextual standpoint, addressing historical, theological and socio-economic issues, and also from a practical standpoint, addressing building techniques and materials and site considerations such as topography and climate. Prerequisites: ARTH 110, ENGL 123.

ARLH 450 Research Methods in Architectural History
This hands-on course introduces students to a wide range of research resources and the problems they pose. Particular attention is given to differing manifestations of each type of historical documentation and how that type has evolved over time. Textual accounts, maps, architectural drawings, measurement systems, models, photographs, terminology, legal documents such as censuses and tax records, and oral history are among the forms of documentation examined. Prerequisite: ARTH 207 or ARLH 208.

ARLH 495 Special Topics in Architectural History
The topic of this course varies from quarter to quarter. Each seminar focuses on various issues in the field of architectural history and offers the student an opportunity to pursue individual research projects related to the subject of the course. Prerequisites: Vary according to topic.

ARLH 499 Architectural History B.F.A. Thesis
This course provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate sound scholarly methodology and critical thinking skills as they select a topic, research it and write an advanced research paper under the supervision of a faculty committee. The topic for the thesis must be approved in advance by a faculty adviser. The course is designed for senior architectural history majors. Prerequisite: Permission of the department chair.

ARLH 700 Research Methods in Architectural History
This hands-on seminar introduces students to a wide range of research resources and the problems they pose. Particular attention is given to differing manifestations of each type of historical documentation and how that type has evolved over time. Textual accounts, maps and charts, architectural drawings, measurement systems, models, photographs, legal documents such as censuses and tax records, and oral history are among the forms of documentation examined. As much as possible, attention is given to actual documents through discussions and field workshops in libraries and archives.

ARLH 705 Architectural History Methodology and Historiography
Students in this course are introduced to methods of research and analysis and to key texts that have shaped the discipline of architectural history over time. Specific topics addressed include the nature of history, the nature of architectural history, style, formal analysis, iconography and symbolism, and a variety of approaches embracing technological, political, economic and social aspects of the built environment.

ARLH 709 Architectural Theory and Criticism
This seminar examines how architects and theorists have attempted to conceptualize the essence of architecture. Class readings are drawn from significant works in the history of architecture, among them treatises by Vitruvius, Alberti, Ruskin, Pugin and Le Corbusier. Through discussion, research papers, lectures and analysis, students acquire a familiarity with the critical tradition as well as skills in analyzing and conceptualizing architectural principles.

ARLH 724 Ancient Architecture in Context
The ancient Greeks and Romans developed a remarkable range of building types to accommodate their religious, political and social practices. This course approaches ancient Greek and Roman architecture by considering how the intended use of these structures related to architectural form, decoration and location, and stresses, in particular, the value of primary sources and archaeological material in enriching the understanding of the built form during these eras.

ARLH 726 Gothic Art and Architecture
This course covers the Gothic period, from the early 12th century to the later 13th century. The course focuses on the development of Gothic architecture, sculpture and stained glass, but also encompasses manuscript illumination, metal work and ivory carving. The social context of the monuments is explored through selected readings from original sources.

ARLH 728 Romanesque Art and Architecture
This course surveys art and architecture of the Romanesque period, from the 10th century to the 12th century. The course focuses on the development of Romanesque architecture and monumental sculpture but also includes manuscript illumination and the “minor arts.” The social context of the monuments is explored through selected readings from original sources.

ARLH 739 History of Urban Form
This course surveys urban form from its origins in ancient Mesopotamia to the controversies over contemporary urbanism. It also includes analysis of ideal cities. Architecture, public space, city planning and public works are considered in relation to the social, political, economic and religious context of urban form. Graduate students are expected to actively participate in group discussion and develop their critical thinking skills through independent research projects.

ARLH 740 American Architecture and Urbanism
This course examines North American architecture and urbanism from colonial times to the present. Themes include domesticity, technology, commerce, politics, religion and institutional form. Special attention is given to such issues as the transmission and transformation of European influences, the development of regional patterns, and the emergence of uniquely American architectural and urban forms. Directed research is a significant part of the course.

ARLH 742 Monastic Architecture of the Western World
This course explores the history and development of monastic architecture in medieval and Renaissance Europe and the transference and assimilation of European traditions in the New World up to the present. This course explores architecture from a contextual standpoint, addressing historical, theological and socio-economic issues, as well as from a practical standpoint, addressing building techniques and materials, and site considerations such as topography and climate.

ARLH 743 Islamic Art and Architecture
This course examines the evolution of art and architecture in the medieval Islamic world using a chronological and regional approach, ranging from the large unified empires of the Umayyads and Abbasids to the smaller successor states in Islamic Spain, sub-Saharan Africa and Mughal India. The course investigates the origins and nature of Islamic religion and culture and introduces students to the development of a unique Arab-Muslim civilization.

ARLH 744 African Art and Architecture
This course explores the indigenous art, architecture and cities of Africa, following a chronological and regional approach, which introduces the geography, cultures and history of the African continent as a whole. The goal is to consider Africa not as a region of cultural unity, but rather as an interconnected territory with a long and varied history that has given birth to a variety of creative expressions and artistic achievements. These expressions and achievements begin in the ancient world with the development of urban civilizations in Egypt, Nubia, Kush and Aksum; continue into medieval times with the rise of kingdoms and trading empires in both East and West Africa; and continue into colonial times.

ARLH 745 American Vernacular Architecture
This course examines the history, characteristics and meaning of vernacular architecture, the 95 percent of the built domain not exemplifying academic “high style” design. Topics include ethnic traditions in built form; the architecture of traditional American houses, agrarian, industrial and commercial buildings; the influence of the automobile on the built environment; and issues of vernacular landscape.

ARLH 756 American Fortified Architecture
This seminar course explores the history, theory and technology of American fortified architecture from the colonial period to the early 20th century, as well as the present-day interpretation and use of fortifications as historic sites. Emphasis will be placed on coastal fortifications. Students will be required to travel to fortified sites in the area for independent research.

ARLH 757 The Islamic City
This course focuses on the development, morphology and institutions of the Islamic city as a unique urban phenomenon within the medieval world, exploring the connection between the religion of Islam and the creation of fundamental urban planning principles found throughout the Islamic world. The course explores the relationship of regionalism and local cultural influences on the development of specific building types and forms, from Islamic Spain to India to sub-Saharan Africa.

ARLH 758 Villa and Garden
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Alhambra, Versailles, Monticello and Falling Water are all products of a restless longing for a peaceful and contemplative life in the country where art and nature coexist in ideal harmony. This course explores the architectural and social history of country houses, villas and gardens from antiquity to the 20th century. Special attention is given to garden literature, landscape theory, the rise of public parks and the development of suburbia.

ARLH 759 Power and the Built Environment
This seminar explores the many ways that social, political and economic powers have shaped the built environment and the experience of it throughout history. The embodiment of power is examined within a range of scales, building types and social contexts including urban design, public institutions, commemorative monuments and corporate buildings. Extensive readings, class discussions and presentations challenge students to develop their own critical thinking and communication skills.

ARLH 761 American Cultural Landscape
This seminar introduces students to a variety of North American landscapes and methods used to analyze them. Everyday homes, highways, factories, farms, stores and recreation areas from the colonial period to the present provide the subject matter. Students explore how the terms “landscape” and “cultural landscape” link an ordinary social group to its spaces.

ARLH 762 Issues in Contemporary Architecture
Since the end of World War II, architects, planners, theorists and historians have contributed to a debate about the appropriate direction that architecture and city building should take. Prompted by post-war reconstruction, political upheavals and the growth of global capitalism, reconsiderations of “modern” architecture created a rich and varied range of design possibilities. By addressing topics such as the impact of technology, the rise of post-modernism, globalization and regionalism, the development of mega-cities, new urbanism and environmentalism, this course analyzes architecture and urbanism through a high contextual lens. Strong emphasis is placed on theoretical writings of the period.

ARLH 763 World Vernacular Architecture
Vernacular architectural traditions are explored from a global perspective as a broad-ranging, yet selective study of specific cultures and regions. The primary focus of the course is on domestic architecture and settlement forms, but also includes some vernacular religious and ceremonial structures. Through this course students, acquire an appreciation of the range of building traditions found around the world, and explore the connection between vernacular architectural forms and the societies that created them.

ARLH 770 Documenting the Built Environment
This course is intended primarily for students for whom documenting the built environment is a valuable skill. A wide range of lectures, discussions, workshops, fieldwork and assignments explores documentation of buildings and structures from historical, theoretical, aesthetic and practical points of view.

ARLH 775 Savannah: Architecture and Urban History
Savannah is a rare American city that possesses a distinctive local identity, yet its evolution mirrors broader trends. This course examines the various historical forces that have shaped the city by investigating different urban and architectural topics in a roughly chronological sequence. Topics include the Savannah Plan, Religion, Workers and Slaves, Charitable Institutions, Forts, Industrialization, local house forms, suburbanization and the Preservation movement. This course offers graduate students an opportunity to conduct advanced research using primary documents and to present findings in a formal oral presentation.

ARLH 780 Special Topics in Architectural History
The topic of this course varies from quarter to quarter. Each seminar focuses on various issues in the field of architectural history.

ARLH 788 Architectural History M.A. Thesis
Students enrolled in the architectural history M.A. program are required to complete a thesis demonstrating knowledge of the methods and theories in the discipline. Students must have topic approval from a faculty adviser and work under the close supervision of a faculty committee.

ARLH 790 Architectural History M.F.A. Thesis
Architectural history graduate students are required to complete a thesis and produce an in-depth research paper. Strong methodological skills, original ideas and thorough research are emphasized. Students must have topic approval from a faculty adviser and work under the close supervision of a faculty committee.