Bachelor of Science in Architecture

History, Theory and Criticism of Architecture and Art Stream

Architecture major studies aim to develop an understanding of a variety of disciplines, including architectural design; art, culture and technology; building technology; and the history, theory, and criticism of architecture and art. Regardless of which discipline stream a student chooses to focus in, all Course 4 majors are required to complete the same survey of core subjects in all of these areas. Students are encouraged to complete most of these core courses by the end of their sophomore year, allowing them at that time to select a discipline stream to focus on for their junior and senior year.

The History Theory and Criticism of Architecture and Art (HTC) discipline group teaches subjects that deal with the history of architecture and art, as well as the theoretical and political presuppositions informing that history. Offerings range in content and method. Some are motivated by questions derived from the problems of contemporary practice. Others investigate a body of historical material in ways that develop analytical skills applicable to a wide range of topics.

BSA: Major in HTC

Year 1

  • Freshman Seminar in Architecture (Fall)
  • 4.111 Introduction to Architecture and Environmental Design (HASS-A) (Spring)

Year 2

  • 4.112 Architecture Design Fundamentals I (Fall)
  • 4.401 Architecture Building Systems (Fall)
  • 4.500 Introduction to Design Computing (Fall)
  • 4.302 Foundation in the Visual Arts & Design (CI-M) (Spring)
  • 4.605 Introduction to the History and Theory of Architecture (HASS-A)

Year 3

  • 4.613 Civic Architecture in Islamic History (HASS-A) (Spring) or 4.614 Religious Architecture and Islamic Cultures (HASS-A) (Fall)
  • 4.601 Introduction to Art History (HASS-A) (Fall)
  • 4.6xx One additional HTC subject

  • 4.602 Modernism and Mass Culture (HASS-A) (Spring) or 4.641 19th Century Art (HASS-A) (Spring) or 4.651 Art since 1940 (HASS-A) (Fall)
  • 4.3xxx One elective ACT subject

Year 4

  • 4.THT Thesis Research Design Seminar (CI-M) (Fall)
  • 4.6xx Two advanced HTC subjects
  • 4.THU Undergraduate Thesis (Spring)
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Minor in HTC

This minor program is designed to enable students to concentrate on the historical, theoretical and critical issues associated with artistic and architectural production. Introductions to the historical framework and stylistic conventions of art and architectural history are followed by more concentrated study of particular periods and theoretical problems in visual culture and in cultural history in general.

A minor is a coherent program providing significant experience in the discipline. Students who successfully complete minor programs will have their fields of study specified as part of their Bachelor of Science degrees, thus giving public recognition of focused work in other disciplines. The Minor Program in the History of Architecture and Art consists of six approved subjects arranged into three levels of study and chosen as follows:

Tier 1

Two subjects (either 4.601 or 4.602 AND either 4.605 or 4.614)

  • 4.601 Introduction to Art History
  • 4.602 Modern Art and Mass Culture
  • 4.605 Introduction to History & Theory of Architecture
  • 4.614 Religious Architecture and Islamic Culture

Tier 2

Three subjects covering both areas. Semesters listed are a general indication of when the subject is taught—actual availability varies. Select courses at Harvard and Wellesley and other approved subjects are possible. Consult the Minor Advisor.

History of Architecture (no more than two)

  • 4.613 Civic and Residential Islamic Architecture
  • 4.635 Renaissance Architecture
  • 4.645 Selected Topics in Architecture: 1750 to Present
  • 4.665 Contemporary Arch. and Critical Debate

History of Art (no more than two)

  • 4.641 19th-Century Art
  • 4.651 Art Since 1940
  • 4.671 Nationalism, Internationalism and Globalism in Modern Art
  • 4.673 Installation Art

Tier 3

One Subject: An advanced graduate subject with permission of the Minor Advisor and instructor or 4.609: Seminar in the History of Art and Architecture.

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HASS concentration in HTC

The HASS concentration requirement encourages students to develop a more mature understanding of a field in the humanities, arts, and social sciences. This experience is not as intensive as majoring or minoring in a field, but it does provide a good understanding of subject matter and methodologies used outside the natural sciences and engineering.

The HASS concentration in HTC is comprised of four subjects— three in the history of architecture or art (group A) and one in art, culture and technology (group B).

For a complete list of subjects, see HASS Concentration Requirements in the History of Architecture and Art..

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