Historic Preservation: Am Architectural History II

Continuation of HP 5200. Study of architectural history to gain fluency in the stylistic terms so essential to historic preservation and to public support for conserving our architectural heritage. Prerequisite: HP 5200 or Instructor permission.

HP Graduate students only or instructor permission; Online synchronous; Open to Degree and PACE students; Both on-campus & remote students should be able to register for this course

This course continues HP5200, History of American Architecture I, which concludes in the 1860s. HP5202 begins with architectural developments in the post-Civil War era, including the Shingle and Queen Anne styles, as well as the emergence of European modernism and its influence on 20th-century American design. Topics include the evolution of the tall building; the International Style; mid-century modernism; post-modernism; and suburban developments. While the focus of the class is American architecture, influential precedents from other cultures and countries will also be studied to show how they informed the practice and evolution of architectural thinking in the United States. This is primarily a lecture course, with in-class discussion of major topics and theories. The goal of this course is to consciously think about where buildings come from, why they look the way they do, and how the progression of stylistic trends and construction techniques differentiates buildings from one another. At the conclusion of the course, students will have a firm understanding of the dominant American architectural trends from the mid-19th century to the late 20th century and gain fluency in the stylistic terms and architectural vocabulary that are essential to communicate about historic preservation and build public support for architectural heritage conservation.

This is a two-credit, graduate-level course. Attendance is mandatory for the two 75-minute class sessions each week. If you are unable to attend a class session, please inform the instructor as early as possible. It is expected that students will devote approximately four hours of outside work per week on assignments, research, and readings for this course. Completing all reading assignments prior to class is essential and ensures a lively and engaging discussion during class time.

A mid-term and final exam will be given in this course. Grades on paper assignments will reflect the quality of the work and its professional appearance and organization. Grading for graduate students will reflect expectations for graduate-level work. Grading for undergraduate students will reflect expectations for upper-level undergraduate work. Students are also graded on class participation.