A4482 American Architecture and American Pragmatism
History/Theory SeminarJoan Ockman
This seminar explores a thematic relationship between progressive thought and normative practice in American architecture and culture from the 1890s to the present.
OUTLINE
1. Introduction: Pragmatism versus pragmatic The project of rethinking the relationship between architectural theory and practice in Pragmatist terms
2. The philosophical tradition of American Pragmatism: Peirce, James, Dewey Guest: Isaac Levy, John Dewey Professor, Department of Philosophy
3. Continuation Guest: Isaac Levy, John Dewey Professor, Department of Philosophy
4. The pragmatic strain in American architectural practice, 1890-1945 The Chicago Frame, the Manhattan Skyscraper
5. Continuation: European views of American architectural culture Pragmatism as national identity
6. Continuation: the development of the profession Architecture and the ideology of American business
7. Historical links between Pragmatist philosophy and American architecture Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Chicago milieu Guest: Gwendolyn Wright
8. Continuation: the dispute between Lewis Mumford and John Dewey Architectural education and cultural reform Guest: Marc Dessauce, Department of Art History
9. The contemporary revival of Pragmatist philosophy Neopragmatism and postmodernism
10. Possible Neopragmatist approaches to contemporary architecture
11. Continuation Growth and change, indeterminacy, organic development
12. Continuation issues of democracy, community, pluralism, public space
13. Conclusions and summary presentation of term papers by students