Architectural and Planning Theories

Catalog description

Architectural theory course with a strong focus on the reading and writing of essays about architecture and related fields. ARCH 311 Architectural and Planning Theories (3) ARCH 311 is a required course in the BARCH curriculum. The central goal of this course is to foster critical-thinking skills, in conjunction with the ability to develop and articulate theoretical positions related to the design, practice, and historical evolution of architecture, both verbally and in writing. ARCH 311 is a writing intensive seminar course fulfilling the University's Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) requirement. Students will be introduced to various topics pertaining to advanced architectural theory. Students will critically read, then discuss significant works with the instructor. Lectures by the instructor will also be presented, discussed and analyzed. Writing assignments are utilized as instruments for learning the subject matter, methods of inquiry, and the types of writing typical of the discipline of architecture. The course format will also involve lectures by the instructor as well as presentations by the students related to past, present, and speculative architectural theories of importance to the field. In addition, students will complete writing assignments that demonstrate the development of a critical stance or idea, proficiency in critical analysis, and the use of established research techniques, citation of sources, and writing formats.