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Program Requirements

The history and theory program pursues intellectual inquiries in the history of architecture, focusing upon the discipline’s continually changing theoretical framework. It aims to advance knowledge and foster ethical reflections in architecture through critical historical research into the philosophical, political, cultural, and technological contexts of the discipline. The one-year, three semester program is suited to recent graduates of professional architecture programs and experienced practitioners who wish to explore the complex connections among history, theory, and design; it also provides a thorough preparation for the subsequent pursuit of a PhD degree in the history and theory of architecture. It is structured around core seminars and lectures on topics that range from the history of architecture, the history of science and technology in design, the influence of cultural and gender studies on the discipline, and aesthetic philosophy. The curriculum culminates with an individual research project defined by the student in consultations with advisers.

The History and Theory option within the M.Arch. post-professional program enables students who have completed their professional M.Arch. degree (or some closely-related degree) to develop critical skills and knowledge vis-a-vis architecture as a broad cultural phenomenon. The twelve-month program comprises three consecutive semesters of coursework. Required seminars held during the first two terms involve intensive commitment to reading and writing. The Fall and Winter terms are rounded out with one elective course and Project Preparation (ARCH 623), in which students develop the strategy for their major independent research or design undertaking, the History and Theory Project (ARCH 624), which is completed in the Summer term.

Research Project (15 credits)

• ARCH 624 History and Theory Project (15 credits)

  Offered by: Architecture (Faculty of Engineering)

  Administered by: Graduate Studies

  Overview

  Architecture : Thematic, site-specific experimental design with an emphasis on process, including 1) survey/mapping and 2) preparation of text, drawings and models.

  Terms: Fall 2019, Summer 2020

  Instructors: Vardouli, Theodora (Fall) Perez-Gomez, Alberto; Theodore, David (Summer)

  • (0-15-30)

Required Courses (27 credits)

• ARCH 622 Research Methods for Architecture (4 credits)

  Offered by: Architecture (Faculty of Engineering)

  Administered by: Graduate Studies

  Overview

  Architecture : Survey of research methods for students with professional training in architecture. Setting research questions; establishing hypotheses; choosing methodologies; understanding historical, design, and other research traditions; producing literature reviews; engaging architectural evidence; addressing research ethics; presenting findings.

  Terms: Fall 2019

  Instructors: Luka, Nicholas (Fall)

  • (2-1-9)

• ARCH 623 Project Preparation (3 credits)

  Offered by: Architecture (Faculty of Engineering)

  Administered by: Graduate Studies

  Overview

  Architecture : Guided background preparation for the project.

  Terms: Fall 2019, Winter 2020

  Instructors: Bressani, Martin; Perez-Gomez, Alberto; Adams, Annmarie; Theodore, David; Friedman, Abraham (Winter)

  • (2-1-6)

• ARCH 651 Architectural History and Theory Seminar 1 (6 credits)

  Offered by: Architecture (Faculty of Engineering)

  Administered by: Graduate Studies

  Overview

  Architecture : First of four intensive seminars on the thematic study of modern architecture and its theoretical underpinnings as a response to technological, cultural, environmental, and philosophical challenges. Historiographic and design approaches to architectural problems encountered from the pre-industrial age to contemporary post-industrial expansion.

  Terms: Fall 2019

  Instructors: Perez-Gomez, Alberto (Fall)

  • (4-0-14)

  • Corequisite(s): ARCH 652

• ARCH 652 Architectural History and Theory Seminar 2 (4 credits)

  Offered by: Architecture (Faculty of Engineering)

  Administered by: Graduate Studies

  Overview

  Architecture : Second of four intensive seminars on the thematic study of modern architecture and its theoretical underpinnings as a response to technological, cultural, environmental, and philosophical challenges. Historiographic and design approaches to architectural problems encountered from the pre-industrial age to contemporary post-industrial expansion.

  Terms: Fall 2019

  Instructors: Theodore, David (Fall)

  • (4-0-8)

  • Corequisite: ARCH 651

• ARCH 653 Architectural History and Theory Seminar 3 (4 credits)

  Offered by: Architecture (Faculty of Engineering)

  Administered by: Graduate Studies

  Overview

  Architecture : Third of four intensive seminars on the thematic study of modern architecture and its theoretical underpinnings as a response to technological, cultural, environmental, and philosophical challenges. Historiographic and design approaches to architectural problems encountered from the pre-industrial age to contemporary post-industrial expansion.

  Terms: Winter 2020

  Instructors: Cheng, Diana (Winter)

  • (4-0-8)

  • Prerequisite(s): ARCH 652

  • Corequisite(s): ARCH 654

• ARCH 654 Architectural History and Theory Seminar 4 (6 credits)

  Offered by: Architecture (Faculty of Engineering)

  Administered by: Graduate Studies

  Overview

  Architecture : Last of four intensive seminars on the thematic study of modern architecture and its theoretical underpinnings as a response to technological, cultural, environmental, and philosophical challenges. Historiographic and design approaches to architectural problems encountered from the pre-industrial age to contemporary post-industrial expansion.

  Terms: Winter 2020

  Instructors: Perez-Gomez, Alberto (Winter)

  • Prerequisite(s): ARCH 652

  • Corequisite(s): ARCH 653

  • Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken ARCH 650.

  • (4-0-14)

Elective Course (3 credits)

Any course at the 500- or 600- level, with the approval of the School.