Course Descriptions
The following is a list of courses taught as part of the Master of Architecture program at the School of Architecture. It should be noted that the curriculum is continually being reevaluated by the faculty, and course offerings evolve accordingly.
ARCH126 (3)
Drawing and Graphics Studio
Introduction to freehand drawing and architectural drawing graphic conventions. Exercises include freehand and drafted drawings of building plans, sections, and elevations, and an introduction to three-dimensional representation. Spring, Summer
ARCH150 (3)
Introduction to Architecture
Emphasis on design concepts, professional vocabulary, historical appreciation, contemporary issues, and values important to the mission of the School of Architecture. Open to all students. Fall
ARCH201 (3)
Construction I
An overview of site work, foundation and structural systems as well as an investigation into the structural and material properties, assembly methods and detailing primarily for wood and masonry construction systems. Fall
ARCH202 (3)
Construction II
An investigation into the structural and material properties, assembly methods and detailing primarily for steel and concrete construction systems as well as an introduction to cost estimating. Prerequisite: ARCH201. Spring
ARCH205 (4)
Structures I
Structural theory: statics by analytical and graphical solutions. Determination of loads, resolution of force systems, and equilibrium analysis. Structural properties of shape (centroids, moment of inertia) and materials (stress, stiffness, modulus of elasticity.) Shear and bending moments, deflection, column theory, intoductory awarenes of structural system behavior. Analysis and design of wood structures (joists, girders, columns). Introduction to the structural design process. Prerequisites: MATH168 & PHYS141 Fall
ARCH215 (5)
Introduction to Design Studio
Introduction to formal composition, architectural typology and principles of building context in the design of buildings and artifacts with simple program elements. Prerequisites: Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 ARCH126. Fall
ARCH247 (5)
Architecture as Craft Studio
Design projects focusing on the materiality of architecture and the logic of construction. Prerequisites: ARCH215. Spring
ARCH299 (1-4)
Independent Study
Study of special topics not currently offered by the Division of Architecture. In consultation with a professor, the student researches a selected area, filing a copy of the completed project report in the School of Architecture office. A minimum of 30 hours of work required for each credit. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.
ARCH305 (4)
Structures II
Structural problems in steel analysis and principles of concrete and masonry, lateral load due to wind and seismic forces. Prerequisite: ARCH205. Spring
ARCH315 (3)
History of Architecture I
Chronological overview of the history of architecture from pre-history through the 14th century (Gothic). Emphasis is on the vocabulary and design of buildings, their symbolic relationships, and their meaning in a cultural and human context. Prerequisites: HIST117, 118 & ENGL115. Fall
ARCH316 (3)
History of Architecture II
Chronological overview of the history of architecture from the 15th century (Renaissance) to today. Emphasis is on the vocabulary and design of buildings, their symbolic relationships, and their meaning in a cultural and human context. Prerequisites: HIST117, 118 & ENGL115. Spring
ARCH318 (5)
Background Building Studio
Design of commercial and/or residential building(s) of increased programmatic complexity, in the physical and cultural setting of a traditional small town or urban neighborhood. Prerequisite: ARCH320. Spring
ARCH320 (5)
Placemaking Studio
The design of buildings as it relates to landscape and to human experience with increased complexity of program and form. Prerequisites: ARCH247 and admission to the Professional Degree Track. Fall
ARCH330 (6)
Analytical Summer Abroad
A course focusing upon study, analysis, and documentation of buildings, spaces, and /or gardens in another country. Venues may change from year to year. Prerequisite: ARCH318. Summer
ARCH335 (3)
Environmental Technology I
Introduction to environmentally, energy-conscious design concepts with the primary focus on climate and site analysis. An overview of standard evaluation methods for thermal performance in both design development and qualitative building evaluations covers heat loss/gain, thermal and solar envelope, HVAC System Selection and Layout. Principles of water conservation, collection and supply and the treatment and disposal of liquid and solid wastes. Fall
ARCH336 (3)
Environmental Technology II
Principles of design for fire safety and code compliance. Principles of electricity and a brief survey of electrical systems and wiring design. The design and location requirements of elevators, moving stairways, and walks. A qualitative overview of lighting and acoustics and their integration into the design of buildings with introductory quantitative methods. Prerequisite: PHYS141. Spring
ARCH370 (3)
Person-Environment Theory
Studies in the relationship between people and the environment, including a consideration of towns, cities, gardens, buildings, and artifacts, as well as the cultural and natural landscape. Prerequisite: ARCH320.
ARCH390/485 (1-4)
Special Topics in _____________
Based on selected topics of current interest in architecture offered by the Division of Architecture. May be repeated in different topic areas. May not be offered each year. Topics offered include: Islamic Architecture, Architecture of Ancient Americas, Furniture Design, Surveying.
ARCH395/595 (1-6)
Community Project in Architecture
"Hands-on" involvement in humanitarian and/or service-oriented projects. Work initiated by students requires prior approval of faculty. Graded on S/U basis. May be repeated for up to 6 credits.
ARCH424 (2,3)
Islamic Architecture
A focused view on the period of architecture history known as Islamic Architecture. Covers the beginnings of Islamic period from 600 CE to the present time, looking at Islamic buildings from all parts of the world. Prerequisites: ARCH315 & 316.
ARCH425 (2,3)
Architecture of Ancient Americas
A focused view of the architectural history that covers ancient North, Central and South Americas. Covers the vernaculat architecture and art of the Native American cultures. Prerequisites: ARCH315 & 316.
ARCH426 (2,3)
Far Eastern Architecture
A focused view of the architectural history that covers ancient Far East. Covers the vernaculat architecture and art from India to China, Japan and the Southeast Asian cultures. Prerequisites: ARCH315 & 316.
ARCH434 (3)
Urban Studies
A broad survey, both typological and historical, of the physical characteristics of cities and their development, with emphasis upon urban form as a cooperative human artifact embodying particular cultural values and ideals. Prerequisites: ENGL115; HIST117, 118. Spring
ARCH435 (3)
BIM
An introduction to Building Information Modeling (BIM) using Autodesk Revit Software. Corequisite: ARCH441, 449. Fall
ARCH441 (6)
Foreground Building Studio
Design of a public and/or civic building in the physical and cultural setting of a traditional small town or urban neighborhood. Prerequisites: ARCH205, 318, 330; Corequisite: ARCH449. Fall
ARCH442 (6)
Integrative Design Studio
Comprehensive building design project: site design, building design, and development of architectural detail (including integration of materials and structural and environmental systems). Prerequisite: ARCH441. Spring
ARCH445 (2)
Furniture Design
An exploratory course that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to prepare and execute furniture design projects from assemblage to finish. Incorporates the safe use of a variety of hand and power tools and machinery. Projecs vary according to the individual skill level of the student. May be repeated for up to 4 credits.
ARCH449 (3)
Integrative Design
Preliminary design of the structure and environmental control systems for a concurrent studio project. Building codes, accessibility standards, and zoning ordinances are reviewed for design implications. Prerequisite: ARCH205, Corequisite: ARCH441. Fall
ARCH450 (3)
Applied Structures
Application of the principles of statics and strength of materials to the design of reinforced concrete and masonry structures. Lateral forces, wind and seismic loads, and the strutural divisions of the Architect's Registration Examination will be reviewed. Prerequisite: ARCH205. Spring
ARCH459 (3)
Design Theory
A survey and analysis of architectural thought, including readings from both historical and contemporary sources. Prerequisite: ARCH315. Spring
ARCH480 (1-3)
Architecture Community Service
Design of community service or architectural mission projects. May also include pre-construction management work associated with mission projects. Work iniciated by students requires prior approval of faculty. May be repeated for up to 6 credits. Prerequisite: ARCH247.
ARCH496 (1-6)
Cooperative Work Experience
Supervise work with an architectural or construction firm. 120 hours of work is required for each credit. may be repeated up to 6 credits. Prerequisite: 3rd year standing and application one semester in advance of the planned work. Graded on S/U basis.
ARCH499/599 (1-4)
Independent Research
Study of special topics not currently offered by the School of Architecture. In consultation with a professor, the student researches a selected area, filing a copy of the completed project report in the School of Architecture office. A minimum of 30 hours of work required for each credit. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits. May not be offered each year.
ARCH521 (6)
Urban Design Studio
Urban design proposal for a small town (or parts thereof), urban neighborhood, or college campus. Fall
ARCH522 (6)
Visiting Critic/Topic Studio
Design project(s) to be determined by Visiting Critic and regular faculty. Topic of studio varies. Prerequisite: ARCH521. Spring
ARCH530 (6)
Analytical Summer Abroad
A course focusing upon study, analysis, and documentation of buildings, spaces, and/or gardens in another country. Venues may change from year to year. Prerequisite: ARC318. Summer
ARCH535 (4)
Professional Practice
Lectures and seminars on Judeo-Christian values and social responsibilities in the profession. Studies introduce conventional practice methods and career planning for present and future. Topical areas include the role of the architect, organization and management of the firm, and project administration. Prerequisite: ARCH442 or permission of instructor.