This course will cover architectural history from prehistoric through the 20th century. The course will not only look at who designed the buildings, but will also look at examples of how they were built and issues that shaped them. Beginning with the earliest man made shelters and ending with the issues influencing current architectural design, the course will introduce students to different ways of seeing architecture and the built environment as cultural artifacts.
Course Effective Dates: 8/27/12 – Present
Outline of Major Content Areas
As noted on course syllabus
Learning Outcomes
Study all major architectural historical periods from around the world focusing on the
evolution of architecture, regionalism, and vernacular influences.
Identify significant cultural forces that shaped the major architectural periods such as
religious influences, responses to specific climate and natural resources.
Understand the cross-cultural effect of many historical periods, and look at the
ways different regions or countries shaped similar architecture styles to their geographical, ecological, and societal needs.
Review architecture critically using both the principles and elements of design and articulate a personal esthetic response to historical styles.
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goal Area(s) and Competencies Goal 06 — Humanities/Fine Arts
Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context.
Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
Goal 10 — People/Environment
Explain the basic structure and function of various natural ecosystems and of human adaptive strategies within those systems.
Describe the basic institutional arrangements (social, legal, political, economic, religious) that are evolving to deal with environmental and natural resource challenges.
Evaluate critically environmental and natural resource issues in light of understandings about interrelationships, ecosystems, and institutions.
