History/Theory Sequence
The History/Theory curriculum stresses a broad social and cultural approach to architecture history. Architecture history is not seen primarily as stylistic evolution, but rather in terms of a rich matrix of parameters, political, economic, artistic, technological, and theoretical, that have had a role in shaping the discipline. Most instructors of architecture history at GSAP have both professional and academic degrees. A shared intention is to understand the relations between practice and a historical perspective.
The course offerings are structured to provide each student with an opportunity to gain both a broad general background in architecture history and a degree of specialized knowledge in areas of his or her selection. The architecture history classes within the School are supplemented by classes in the Department of Art History and Archaeology, and students are especially encouraged to take art history courses examining pre-1750 and non-Western topics. Students may also take courses in other departments of the University, such as history and philosophy, providing they meet basic distribution requirements.
Distributional Requirements for the M.Arch. Program
Four courses : 12 pts
The four courses must be chosen from five categories: (1) Pre-1750, (2) Modern: 1750 to the Present, (3) Urban Society, (4) American, and (5) Non-Western. Students are expected to combine breadth in those fields they have not previously studied with in-depth seminars in at least one of these categories. At least one of the distribution areas must be Pre-1750, and one in Non-Western architecture, unless waivers are granted. Each term course schedule will identify those courses fulfilling the distribution requirements.