UG: 4.635 | Grad: 4.634

Presents a history, from the 14th through the early 17th century, of architectural practice and design, as well as visual culture in Europe with an emphasis on Italy. Topics include the production and reception of buildings and artworks; the significance of a reinvigorated interest in antiquity; and representation of the individual, the state, and other institutions.Examines a variety of interpretive methods. 

Graduate students are expected to complete additional assignments.

Seminar on a selected topic in critical theory. Requires original research and presentation of oral and written report.

Critical examination of major developments in European, Asian, and American art from 1940 to the present. Surveys the mainstream of art production but also examines marginal phenomena (feminism, identity politics, AIDS activism, net art) that come to change the terms of art's engagements with civic culture. Visits to area art museums and writing assignments develop skills for visual analysis and critical writing.

Studies the interrelationship of theory, history, and practice. Looks at theory not as specialized discourse relating only to architecture, but as touching on many issues, whether they be cultural, aesthetic, philosophical, or professional. Topics and examples are chosen from a wide range of materials, from classical antiquity to today.

Explores how human-water interactions have given shape to the built environment in the era before industrialization, focusing on architectures, infrastructures, and landscapes of water supply, irrigation, transport, energy, ritual, health, sanitation, and flood mitigation, among other functions. Introduces examples from across the globe, with an emphasis on the Mediterranean world and Europe during the Middle Ages and early modern period (ca. 1000–1750). Considers continuity and change in historical water management over the <em>longue durée</em> and its effects on contemporary cities, landscapes, and political and economic systems.

Seminar in a selected topic in the history of art, with a particular emphasis on artistic production from the 17th century to the present. The class includes visits to area art museums and collections, and requires original research and presentation of oral and written reports, varying at the discretion of the instructor. Offered for 9 or 12 units. 

Enrollment limited.

This course examines the contemporary challenges and history of city planning on three continents - Africa, Asia, and South America. Students study a number of city plans, from the ‘informal’ settlements of Delhi and Nairobi, the modernist master plans of Brasilia and Baghdad, to climate action plans in various cities. The objective of the course is to understand the relationship between dwelling and building in the design of cities, in conjunction with the environmental, social, political, and intellectual environments at the time of their planning. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students. MArch students can register for 9 credits.

Seminar on selected topics from the history of Islamic urbanism. Examines patterns of settlement, urbanization, and architectural production in various places and periods, ranging from the formative period in the 7th century to the new cities emerging today in Asia and Africa. Discusses the leading factors in shaping and transforming urban forms, design imperatives, cultural and economic structures, and social and civic attitudes. Critically analyzes the body of literature on Islamic urbanism. 

Research paper required.