Elective Course
Credits: 3-0-3 (3 semester hours)
Type of Course: Lecture
Instructors: Elizabeth M. Dowling
Prerequisites: None
Course Overview
This course provides students with a working knowledge of both the history of and the design fundamentals employed by late nineteenth to early twenty-first century American Classical architects (which therefore includes the work of currently practicing Classical architects). Instruction includes Lecture/discussions, independent research and a group research project/presentation.
Learning Objectives
(See above)
Course Requirements
Research Assignments:
Each student will be required to accomplish two research projects:
I. As a team, the following questions/issues will be addressed through research and the results shared with the class on the assigned date with a power point presentation:
a. The Great Depression (1929 –1935) affected all aspects of life in America. Through a study of period material as well as literature about the period, describe how life in America changed during and after this economic event.
b. Many architects, artists, photographers were unable to pursue traditional careers during the Great Depression. Describe the writing, art and architectural work created through the auspices of the WPA and the CCC as well as the work of the HABS (Historic American Building Survey).
c. The BAID (Beaux-arts Institute of Design) published student work from universities across the country. Select a decade prior to 1930, and through a review of the published work, formulate conclusions such as what universities were most often published, what type and size of programs appeared, what rendering styles/media were used, etc.
d. Current student architecture projects are published in The Classicist (published by the ICA) and Acroterion (published by the School of Architecture of the University of Notre Dame). The same questions as given on the BAID should be answered.
II. Propose a research topic that explores traditional or Classical architecture in America. This topic could be related to an individual building, building type, architect not covered in the course, or a theoretical issue related to the use of traditional design. The paper should be a formal research paper with bibliography, footnotes, illustrations, etc. See schedule for the submission of paper phases. (minimum length – 10 pgs of writing) The bibliography must include both books and articles in journals (Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians will be a reliable source.)
Also, your findings will be presented on the assigned date to the entire class.
The course grade will be determined as follows:
Class Participation 10% (only excused absences accepted)
Mid-Term 20%
Final 25%
Research Paper 25%
Team Presentation 20%