This lecture course surveys world architecture, urbanism and landscapes from classical antiquity to the late eighteenth century. In addition to the major monuments of European and North American architecture, considerable attention focuses on the built environments of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. We discuss architecture in relation to major paradigms of thought, artistic explorations in other media, and social transformations related to developments in politics, technology, science, religion and cultural exchange. The class places special emphasis on the relationships between buildings, landscapes, cities and interiors.

Each lecture focuses on one or several case studies that allow us to discuss key concepts in great detail. The readings, by contrast, cover movements and social contexts in great breadth. Students are thus expected to synthesize the material from the lectures and readings as they develop their capacities for observation, analysis and interpretation.

Course syllabus - includes detailed information on the assignments

Readings - pdf files of required texts, updated weekly.

Image blog - photographs and drawings shown in class, but not available through the readings.

An excellent document explaining the FIU writing standards for architecture students.