Classes

Explore all classes offered by the Department  — use the filters in the right column below to view classes by discipline groups or by semester.

The Department of Architecture is “Course 4.” The method of assigning numbers to classes is to write the course number in Arabic numerals followed by a period and three digits, which are used to differentiate courses. Most classes retain the same number from year to year. Architecture groups its numbers by discipline group.

Please select both Aga Khan and HTC to search for Aga Khan classes. 

Filter by
Groups
Year
Semester
Thesis
Sort by
4.583

Forum in Computation

Group discussions and presentation of ongoing graduate student research in the Computation program.

Fall
2024
3-0-0
G
Schedule
M 6:30-8
Location
5-216
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.583

Forum in Computation

Group discussions and presentation of ongoing graduate student research in the Computation program.

4.583 Syllabus (MIT Certificate Protected)

Fall
2022
3-0-0
G
Schedule
M 6:30-8
Location
5-216
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.583

Forum in Computation

Group discussions and presentation of ongoing graduate student research in the Computation program.

4.583 Syllabus (MIT Certificate Protected)

Fall
2023
3-0-0
G
Schedule
M 6:30-8
Location
5-216
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.583

Forum in Computation

Group discussions and presentation of ongoing graduate student research in the Computation program.

Fall
3-0-0
G
Schedule
M 6:30-8
Location
5-216
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.587

SMArchS Computation Pre-Thesis Preparation

Preliminary study in preparation for the thesis for the SMArchS degree in Computation. Topics include literature search, precedents examination, thesis structure and typologies, and short writing exercise.

4.587 Syllabus (MIT Certificate protected)

Spring
2024
3-0-3
G
Schedule
F 1-4
Location
1-136
Prerequisites
4.221 or permission of instructor
Required Of
SMArchS Comp
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.587

SMArchS Computation Pre-Thesis Preparation

Preliminary study in preparation for the thesis for the SMArchS degree in Computation. Topics include literature search, precedents examination, thesis structure and typologies, and short writing exercise.

Spring
2022
3-0-3
G
Schedule
F 2:30-5:30
Location
9-450A
Prerequisites
4.221 or permission of instructor
Required Of
SMArchS Comp
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.587

SMArchS Computation Pre-Thesis Preparation

2/27/23: Schedule changed to F 12-2 

Preliminary study in preparation for the thesis for the SMArchS degree in Computation. Topics include literature search, precedents examination, thesis structure and typologies, and short writing exercise.

Spring
2023
3-0-3
G
Schedule
F 12-2
Location
4-144
Prerequisites
4.221 or permission of instructor
Required Of
SMArchS Comp
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
Document Uploads
4.588

Preparation for SMArchS Computation Thesis

Students select thesis topic, define method of approach, and prepare thesis proposal for SMArchS Computation degree. Faculty supervision on a group basis. Intended for SMArchS Computation program students, prior to registration for 4.ThG.

Fall
2023
2-0-4
G
Schedule
T 4-7
Location
5-232
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor
Required Of
SMArchS Computation
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
Document Uploads
4.588

Preparation for SMArchS Computation Thesis

Students select thesis topic, define method of approach, and prepare thesis proposal for SMArchS Computation degree. Faculty supervision on a group basis. Intended for SMArchS Computation program students, prior to registration for 4.ThG.

Fall
2024
2-0-4
G
Schedule
T 4-7
Location
3-329
Required Of
SMArchS Computation
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.589

Preparation for Design and Computation PhD Thesis

Selection of thesis topic, definition of method of approach, and preparation of thesis proposal in computation. Independent study supplemented by individual conference with faculty.

Advisor
Spring
2022
TBA
G
Schedule
see advisor
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
PhD Comp
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.589

Preparation for Design and Computation PhD Thesis

Selection of thesis topic, definition of method of approach, and preparation of thesis proposal in computation. Independent study supplemented by individual conference with faculty.

Advisor
Spring
2023
TBA
G
Schedule
see advisor
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
PhD Comp
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.589

Preparation for Design and Computation PhD Thesis

Selection of thesis topic, definition of method of approach, and preparation of thesis proposal in computation. Independent study supplemented by individual conference with faculty.

Advisor
Fall
2022
TBA
G
Schedule
see advisor
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
PhD Comp
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.589

Preparation for Design and Computation PhD Thesis

Selection of thesis topic, definition of method of approach, and preparation of thesis proposal in computation. Independent study supplemented by individual conference with faculty.

Advisor
Fall
2024
TBA
G
Schedule
see advisor
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
PhD Comp
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.589

Preparation for Design and Computation PhD Thesis

Selection of thesis topic, definition of method of approach, and preparation of thesis proposal in computation. Independent study supplemented by individual conference with faculty.

Advisor
Fall
2023
TBA
G
Schedule
see advisor
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
PhD Comp
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.589

Preparation for Design and Computation PhD Thesis

Selection of thesis topic, definition of method of approach, and preparation of thesis proposal in computation. Independent study supplemented by individual conference with faculty.

Advisor
Spring
2024
TBA
G
Schedule
see advisor
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
PhD Comp
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.601

Introduction to Art History

This course will study the creation of art from Paleolithic times through to the mid-twentieth century, with a non-exclusive focus on European and American practices. Along the way, it will seek to challenge traditional narratives—especially default assumptions about gender and male artistic genius—and question our inherited approaches, while integrating the work of artists and cultures that have long been sidelined owing to modern biases rather than historical fact.

4.601 Syllabus (MIT Certificate protected)

Paris Spies-Gans
Spring
2024
3-0-9
U
Schedule
TR 11-12:30
Location
3-133
Restricted Elective
BSA, A Minor
HASS
A
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.601

Introduction to Art History

Introduction to the history and interpretation of western art in a global context that explores painting, graphic arts and sculpture from the 15th century to the present. Engages diverse methodological perspectives to examine changing conceptions of art and the artist, and to investigate the plural meaning of artworks within the larger contexts of culture and history.

4.601 Syllabus (MIT Certificate protected)

Fall
2022
3-0-9
U
Schedule
TR 2-3:30
Location
3-133
Restricted Elective
BSA, Architecture minor
HASS
A
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.602
4.652

Modern Art and Mass Culture

9/15/23 note: The Friday recitation schedule has changed to F 4-5 pm

Introduction to theories of modernism and postmodernism and their related forms (roughly 18th century to present) in art and design. Focuses on how artists use the tension between fine art and mass culture to critique both. Examines visual art in a range of genres, from painting to design objects and "relational aesthetics." Works of art are viewed in their interaction with advertising, caricature, comics, graffiti, television, fashion, "primitive" art, propaganda, and networks on the internet.

Additional work required of students taking graduate version.

4.602/4.652 Syllabus (MIT Certificate Protected)

Harmon Siegel
Fall
2023
4.602: 4-0-8
U
4.652: 3-0-6
G
Schedule
Lecture: MW 9:30-11
Recitation 1: W 12-1
Recitation 2: F 4-5
Location
Lecture: 1-150
Recitation 1: 5-216
Recitation 2: 3-329
Prerequisites
None
Required Of
4.602: restricted elective BSA, BSAD, A Minor, D Minor; 4.652: restricted elective MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.602
4.652

Modern Art and Mass Culture

Introduction to theories of modernism and postmodernism and their related forms (roughly 18th century to present) in art and design. Focuses on how artists use the tension between fine art and mass culture to critique both. Examines visual art in a range of genres, from painting to design objects and "relational aesthetics." Works of art are viewed in their interaction with advertising, caricature, comics, graffiti, television, fashion, "primitive" art, propaganda, and networks on the internet.

Additional work required of students taking graduate version.

Caroline Jones
TA: Hampton Smith
TA: Nina Wexelblatt
Spring
2022
4.602: 4-0-8
U
4.652: 3-0-6
G
Schedule
MW 9:30-11
Recitation 1: W 12-1
Recitation 2: F 11-12
Location
3-133
Recitation 1: 5-216
Recitation 2: 3-329
Prerequisites
None
Required Of
4.602: restricted elective BSA, BSAD, A Minor, D Minor; 4.652: restricted elective MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.602
4.652

Modern Art and Mass Culture

Introduction to theories of modernism and postmodernism and their related forms (roughly 18th century to present) in art and design. Focuses on how artists use the tension between fine art and mass culture to critique both. Examines visual art in a range of genres, from painting to design objects and "relational aesthetics." Works of art are viewed in their interaction with advertising, caricature, comics, graffiti, television, fashion, "primitive" art, propaganda, and networks on the internet.

Additional work required of students taking graduate version.

Fall
2024
4.602: 4-0-8
U
4.652: 3-0-6
G
Schedule
Lecture: MW 9:30-11
Recitation 1: W 12-1
Recitation 2: F 1-2
Location
Lecture: 3-133
Recitation 1: 5-216
Recitation 2: 5-216
Prerequisites
None
Required Of
4.602: restricted elective BSA, BSAD, A Minor, D Minor; 4.652: restricted elective MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.603
4.604

Understanding Modern Architecture

4.603 UG / 4.604 G

Examines modern architecture, art, and design in the context of the political, economic, aesthetic, and cultural changes that occurred in the twentieth century. Presents foundational debates about social and technological aspects of modern architecture and the continuation of those debates into contemporary architecture. Incorporates varied techniques of historical and theoretical analysis to interpret exemplary objects, buildings, and cities of modernity.

Additional work required of students taking the graduate version.

4.603/4.604 Syllabus (MIT Certificate Protected)

Fall
2023
3-0-9
U
3-0-6
G
Schedule
TR 11-12:30
Location
1-150
Prerequisites
4.604: permission of instructor
Required Of
4.603: BSA
Restricted Elective
Architecture minor
HASS
A
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.603
4.604

Understanding Modern Architecture

4.603 UG / 4.604 G

Examines modern architecture, art, and design in the context of the political, economic, aesthetic, and cultural changes that occurred in the twentieth century. Presents foundational debates about social and technological aspects of modern architecture and the continuation of those debates into contemporary architecture. Incorporates varied techniques of historical and theoretical analysis to interpret exemplary objects, buildings, and cities of modernity.

Additional work required of students taking the graduate version.

4.603/4.604 Syllabus (MIT Certificate Protected)

Fall
2022
3-0-9
U
3-0-6
G
Schedule
TR 11-12:30
Location
5-134
Prerequisites
4.604: permission of instructor
Required Of
4.603: BSA
Restricted Elective
Architecture minor
HASS
A
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.603
4.604

Understanding Modern Architecture

4.603 UG / 4.604 G

Examines modern architecture, art, and design in the context of the political, economic, aesthetic, and cultural changes that occurred in the twentieth century. Presents foundational debates about social and technological aspects of modern architecture and the continuation of those debates into contemporary architecture. Incorporates varied techniques of historical and theoretical analysis to interpret exemplary objects, buildings, and cities of modernity.

Additional work required of students taking the graduate version.

Fall
2024
3-0-9
U
3-0-6
G
Schedule
TR 11-12:30
Location
1-150
Prerequisites
4.604: permission of instructor
Required Of
4.603: BSA
Restricted Elective
Architecture minor
HASS
A
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.605
4.650

A Global History of Architecture

Provides an outline of the history of architecture and urbanism from ancient times to the early modern period. Analyzes buildings as the products of culture and in relation to the special problems of architectural design. Stresses the geopolitical context of buildings and in the process familiarizes students with buildings, sites and cities from around the world.

Additional work required of graduate students.

Mark Jarzombek
TA: Maitha Almazrooei
TA: Manar Moursi
Spring
2022
4-0-8
U/G
Schedule
MW 11-12:30
Recitation 1: W 1-2
Recitation 2: F 12-1
Location
3-133
Recitations: 5-216
Prerequisites
None
Required Of
BSA; restricted elective A Minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.605
4.650

A Global History of Architecture

4.605 Undergraduate | 4.650 Graduate

Provides an outline of the history of architecture and urbanism from ancient times to the early modern period. Analyzes buildings as the products of culture and in relation to the special problems of architectural design. Stresses the geopolitical context of buildings and in the process familiarizes students with buildings, sites and cities from around the world.

Additional work required of graduate students.

4.605/4.650 Syllabus (MIT certificate protected)

Spring
2024
4-0-8
U/G
Schedule
Lecture: MW 11-12:30
Recitation 1: W 10-11
Recitation 2: F 12-1
Location
Lecture: 3-133
Recitation 1: 5-216
Recitation 2: 5-216
Prerequisites
None
Required Of
BSA
Restricted Elective
BSA, Arch Minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No