Architectural Humanities I: History of Architecture

Code

ABEE1006

School

Architecture and Built Environment

Level

1

Credits

20

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

This course offers a chronological and thematic survey of the history of architecture from ancient times to the early decades of the twentieth century. It familiarises students with major architectural typologies (be they stylistic, functional, formal, structural, etc.) through an examination of key examples, and it also looks at the social and technological changes that brought them into being. Ultimately it should deepen the students' understanding of the present state and practice of architecture and teach some of the basic methods of architectural history. It is vital to be aware of the evolutionary nature of architecture, and the way in which architectural lessons and achievements from the past inform the present and future of architectural development.

Assessment

• 50% Coursework 1: Open book assessment - 3 short answers - 400 words each question (or drawn equivalent), total 800/1200 words, plus drawings (take home assessment)
• 50% Coursework 2: Open book assessment - 2000-word illustrated essay (take home assessment)

Assessed in both autumn & spring semest

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

To both widen and deepen knowledge and understanding of architectural history, from antiquity to the early decades of the twentieth century

To understand the influence of social, political, and religious contexts on architecture

To understand the significance of technological changes to built form

To develop key analytical, intellectual, and transferrable skills

To construct cogent arguments

Conveners

• Dr Laura Hanks