Courses

Course descriptions

Architecture

AP 106 – Architectural Drafting 3 credits: Techniques of architectural drafting are introduced as basic skills used to describe architectural form. The various graphic tools, techniques, and conventions are presented and the rationale behind their use is explained. In addition to the basic graphic constructions and multi-view projections, the methods of developing architectural plans, elevations, and sections are addressed. This course is primarily intended for students who have had little or no prior introduction to mechanical and architectural drafting. One hour of lecture and three 3-hours of studio per week. 1 lecture hour and 3 studio hours

AP 111 – Fundamentals of Architecture 4 credits

An introduction to the basic principles and skills that constitute the discipline of architecture. A series of two and three dimensional graphic exercises is used to cultivate an understanding of architectonics, the intentional arrangement of space and enclosure to communicate human values while also introducing graphic techniques for communicating concepts and solutions. One hour of lecture and 9-hour studios per week.

AP 118 – Fundamentals of Architecture II 4 credits

A continuation of the introduction to the fundamental processes and technologies that constitute the discipline of architecture. This course investigates the design process, explores interactive computer graphics (CAD) as a design tool, and culminates with the application of these principles, processes, and skills to an architectural design problem. One hour of lecture and 9 hours of studio per week. Prerequisite: AP 111.

AP 211 – Architectural Design I 5 credits

The first in a sequence of design studio courses introducing the processes, judgment, and communications involved in the synthesis of architectural form. Through a focused series of individual and group projects, the influences of the human and physical contexts on form are explored. One hour of lecture and three 4-hour studios per week. Prerequisite: AP118. 1 lecture hour and 12 studio hours

AP 212 – Architectural Design II 5 credits

Second in a sequence of design studio courses emphasizing the processes, judgment, and communications involved in the synthesis of architectural form. Through a focused series of individual and/or group projects, the influences of functional requirements on form are explored. One hour of lecture and three 4-hour studios per week. Prerequisite: AP211. 1 lecture hour and 0 to 12 studio hours

AP 221 – Site Development and Design 3 credits

A course that deals with engineering principles and design considerations involved with site design. Earth shaping, drainage, roadway alignment, parking lot layouts, code requirements and environmental factors are studied prior to and after design changes. Two hours of lecture and one 2-hour studio per week. 2 lecture hours and 2 studio hours

AP 222 – Human Issues in Design 3 credits

An introduction to the psychological, sociological, and physical factors that influence the design of architectural space. The fields of anthropometrics, ergonomics, and proxemics are addressed, as well as considerations for barrier-free environments. Three hours of lecture/discussion per week. 3 lecture hours

AP 225 – Introduction to Passive Environmental Systems 3 credits

Through coordinated lectures and demonstrations, the impacts of environmental energies on architectural form are introduced and explored. Emphasis is given to the processes by which the architect orders light, climate, gravity, and sound responses to achieve building geometry. The course also addresses concepts and strategies for responding to environmental hazards, and designing healthy buildings and green architecture. Three hours of lecture. Prerequisite: AP118, EG110 or instructor’s permission. 3 lecture hours

AP 241 – Architectural Delineation 3 credits

A studio course in advanced graphic methods. Various rendering techniques, definitive design development, and the principles of construction drawings and architectural detailing are presented and explored through individual projects. One hour of lecture and two 2-hour studios per week. 1 lecture hours and 4 studio hours

AP 311 – Architectural Design III 5 credits

The development of the comprehensive building process as a synthesis of spatial, functional, and contextual concerns with emphases on building systems and materials. Individual and group problems are of a limited and defined scope. One hour of lecture and three 4-hour studios per week. Prerequisites: AP212 and AP325. Co-requisites: AP 327. 1 lecture hours and 12 studio hours

AP 312 – Architectural Design IV 5 credits

This fourth course in the design studio sequence continues the development of a comprehensive building design process with problems of complex but limited scope. The synthesis of spatial, functional, and contextual concerns, as directly linked to the understanding and employment of building systems, continues to provide a framework. One 1-hour lecture and three 4-hour studios per week. Prerequisite: AP 311. 1 lecture hours and 12 studio hours

AP 325 – Materials, Construction, and Design 3 credits

An introduction to the processes by which construction materials and systems are evaluated, selected, incorporated, and detailed in building design. Both measurable and immeasurable design responses to environmental energies are explored in soils, concrete, masonry, wood, and metals. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: AP225. 3 lecture hours

AP 327 – Active Building Systems I 3 credits

A survey of contemporary mechanical building equipment and systems, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Emphasis is placed on comparisons of design parameters, interfaces, and impacts on overall building form. Energy efficiency is addressed. Prerequisites: AP225 and MA107. 3 lecture hours

AP 328 – Active Building Systems II 3 credits

A continuation of AP 327, surveying contemporary electrical, lighting, and plumbing equipment and systems. Emphasis is placed on comparisons of design parameters, interfaces, and impacts on overall building form. Energy efficiency and building codes are addressed. Prerequisite: AP327. 3 lecture hours

AP 403 – Architectural Seminar in History and Theory 3 credits

As both an art and a science, the profession of architecture is continually undergoing change and reassessment. This elective seminar focuses on one or more specific issues and topics regarding the historic and philosophical contexts that influence architecture today. Typically these topics range from the study of specific historic periods or schools of thought regarding design to the diverse trends in current architectural thinking. AP504 shall require a graduate-level paper or project. This course may be repeated for credit. Three hours of lecture/discussion per week. 3 lecture hours

AP 406 – Architectural Theory 3 credits

3 lecture hours

AP 411 – Architectural Design V 5 credits

Comprehensive problem-oriented design studio offered to fourth year students by various faculty members. The extension of the comprehensive design proves to include problems of an expanded scope and large scale, including building complexes and urban design. Individual and group problems emphasize the complex relationships of environmental factors, human concerns, and architectural form. This studio is considered the undergraduate capstone course in the undergraduate portion of the Architecture Program. A design portfolio, covering all seven semesters of studio work and including a written paper, is required to be submitted at the completion of this course. Prerequisite: AP312. 1 lecture hour and 12 studio hours

AP 412 – Architectural Design VI 5 credits

Elective problem-oriented studios offered to fourth year students by various faculty members. The extension of the comprehensive design process to include problems of expanded scope and large scale, including building complexes and urban design. Individual and group problems emphasize the complex interrelationships of environmental factors, human concerns, and architectural form. One hour of lecture and three 4-hour studios per week. Prerequisite: AP312. 1 lecture hour and 12 studio hours

AP 414 – Architectural Seminar In Design 3 credits

This elective seminar investigates in a non-studio setting one or more specific concepts, issues, or topics related to architectural design and its associated disciplines, such as urban, landscape, interior, and visual design. AP514 shall require a graduate level paper or project. This course may be repeated for credit. Three hours of lecture/discussion per week. Prerequisite: approval of instructor. Cross listed with AP520. 3 lecture hours

AP 424 – Architectural Seminar in Technology 3 credits

As both an art and science, the profession of architecture is continually undergoing change and reassessment. This elective seminar focuses on one or more of the specific issues, topics, or skills related to technologies in architecture today. Typically, these specific semester topics range from advanced materials and construction systems to energy-conserving design; from environmental issues to hands-on building experiences. AP520 shall require a graduate-level paper or project. This course may be repeated for credit. Three hours of lecture/discussion per week. Prerequisites: AP114, AP325, or approval of instructor. Cross listed with AP520. 3 lecture hours

AP 434 – Architectural Seminar in Process 3 credits

As both an art and science, the profession of architecture is continually undergoing change and reassessment. This elective seminar focuses on one or more specific topics regarding the current and future practice of architecture: what architects do, and how they do it. Typically, these topics range from design techniques to office management and from specialties within the practice, to the legal environmental, and social forces that influence it. AP534 seminar shall require a graduate-level paper or project. This course may be repeated for credit. Three hours of lecture/discussion per week. Prerequisite: instructor’s approval. Cross listed with AP534. 3 lecture hours

AP 436 – Project Delivery and Documentation 4 credits

Relationships between the formal methods of project delivery and the architectural office form the basic investigation of this course. The project delivery process and the methods of communication and the documentation involved provide a detail study of typical office procedures. The studio component of this course provides practical experience of the typical project delivery process. Documentation is approached as the fundamental means of architectural communication. This communication is multi-layered acting as a foundation for the means of production of contemporary architecture. Various tools will be utilized ranging from computer aided design to conceptual organization schema in both the practice of typical architectural project delivery and the development of new means of communication and production. Two hours of lecture and four hours of studio per week. 2 lecture hours and 4 studio hours

AP 455 – Special Projects in Architecture 1 to 3 credits

An execution of a singular project related to architectural design, history/theory, process, or technology selected by the individual student. The course focuses on in-depth independent research, development, and a formal written and/or graphic presentation of an architecturally-related topic not otherwise covered in course offerings. The student must secure a faculty member who will agree to serve as advisor/evaluator for the project. Limited to Architecture majors who have completed at least the first two years of the curriculum. Hours and credits to be arranged. 1 to 3 lecture hours

AP 456 – Senior Project 4 credits

4 lecture hours

AP 501 – Architectural Theory 3 credits

A course that introduces the deeper, often implicit and hidden motivations that influence the making of architecture. Basic human values and beliefs leading to classic philosophies and aesthetics are explored. Major historic and contemporary propositions on architecture are surveyed. AP501 requires a graduate-level paper or project. Three hours of lecture/discussion per week. Prerequisite: FA202. 3 lecture hours

AP 504 – Architectural Seminar in History and Theory 3 credits

As both an art and a science, the profession of architecture is continually undergoing change and reassessment. This elective seminar focuses on one or more specific issues and topics regarding the historic and philosophical contexts that influence architecture today. Typically these topics range from the study of specific historic periods or schools of thought regarding design to the diverse trends in current architectural thinking. AP 504 shall require a graduate-level paper or project. This course may be repeated for credit. Three hours of lecture/discussion per week. Prerequisites: AP202 and AP308. Cross listed with AP403. 2 lecture hours

AP 511 – Architectural Studio VII 5 credits

Elective problem-oriented studio offered by various faculty members and/or visiting critics. Introspective problems are intended to broaden and deepen individual understanding of the processes, theories, and systems that influence the design of the built environment. Emphasis is on the thorough examination of all aspects of building. This course shall also include the identification, program preparation, and approval of the capstone project(s) to be undertaken in AP512 in the succeeding semester. One hour of lecture and three 4-hour studios per week. Only open to graduate students in Architecture. 1 lecture hour and 12 studio hours

AP 512 – Architectural Studio VIII 5 credits

Elective problem-oriented studio offered by various faculty members and/or visiting critics. Introspective problems are intended to broaden and deepen individual understanding of the processes, theories, and systems that influence the design of the built environment. Emphasis is on the thorough examination of all aspects of building. This studio shall consist of a single comprehensive design project that represents a capstone experience for the 5-year design sequence. As such, the individual program and design solution must be recorded in a bound format similar to that required for the thesis. 1 hour of lecture and 3 four-hour studios per week. Prerequisite: AP511. 1 lecture hour and 12 studio hours

AP 514 – Architectural Seminar in Design 3 credits

This elective seminar investigates in a non-studio setting one or more specific concepts, issues, or topics related to architectural design and its associated disciplines, such as urban, landscape, interior, and visual design. AP514 shall require a graduate level paper or project. This course may be repeated for credit. Three hours of lecture/discussion per week. Prerequisite: approval of
instructor. Cross listed with AP414. 3 lecture hours

AP 520 – Architectural Seminar in Technology 3 credits

AP 525 – Architectural Thesis Research 5 credits

A singular design or design-related project selected by the individual student. The course consists of independent research done at a sufficient depth to display a mastery of the process of defining an architectural problem, including the investigation and discussion of the procedural, physical, and intellectual limits of this problem. The course culminates with the publication of an architectural program and a theoretical statement as well as the generation of all contextual information and design strategies necessary as the basis for AP526, Architectural Thesis. Three hours of class time and meetings with thesis advisors plus six hours of studio per week. Prerequisites: fifth-year standing and approval of Architecture program faculty. 3 lecture hours and 6 studio hours

AP 526 – Architectural Thesis 5 credits

Execution of a singular design or design-related project selected by the individual student. The project is based on independent research and preliminary design work produced in AP525 and is of sufficient depth and breadth to display a mastery of design skills and comprehensive understanding of the architectural issues related to form, process, judgment, representation, and communication. The work is done under the guidance of a thesis advisor chosen by the student. Two hours of meetings with thesis advisors plus twelve hours of studio per week. Prerequisite: AP525 with a grade of “C” or better. 2 lecture hours and 12 studio hours

AP 531 – Architectural Internship 6 credits

This course offers an opportunity for each student enrolled in Master of Architecture Program to develop a bridge between their academic experience and professional practice. As a “bridge” the learning experience is considered to move in both directions. The internship will allow individuals to apply knowledge learned in the classroom and will also allow the opportunity for individuals to bring practical experience to bear on their graduate studies. Each student enrolled in the course is responsible to secure a position with an architectural, or an architecturally-related/construction-related, firm for a period of no less than eight weeks. This position must be approved by the course instructor. The firm must also be willing to submit periodic and final evaluations of the student’s performance. Distance learning technologies shall be employed during the employment period for communication between the students and the instructor. Requirements for the course shall include maintaining a journal and writing a major term paper related to professional practice. Typically, this course shall be taken during the summer between the fourth and fifth years, or as otherwise approved by the Dean. 8 weeks, summers. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the M. Arch. Program. 6 other hours

AP 533 – Professional Practice 3 credits

Investigation into the issues related to the professional practice of architecture in contemporary American society. Topics include project management, finance and economics; business and practice management; and laws and regulations governing the profession. Three hours of lecture per week. 3 lecture hours

AP 534 – Architectural Seminar in Process 3 credits

As both an art and science, the profession of architecture is continually undergoing change and reassessment. This elective seminar focuses on one or more specific topics regarding the current and future practice of architecture: what architects do, and how they do it. Typically, these topics range from design techniques to office management and from specialties within the practice, to the legal environmental and social forces that influence it. AP534 seminar shall require a graduate-level paper or project. This course may be repeated for credit. Three hours of lecture/discussion per week. Prerequisite: instructor’s approval. Cross listed with AP434. 3 lecture hours

AP 555 – Special Projects in Architecture 1 to 3 credits

An execution of a singular project related to architectural design, history/theory, process, or technology selected by the individual student. The course focuses on in-depth independent research, development, and a formal written and/or graphic presentation of an architecturally-related topic not otherwise covered in course offerings. The student must secure a faculty member who will agree to serve as advisor/ evaluator for the project. Hours and credits to be arranged. 1 to 3 lecture hours

AP 558 – Global Issues in Architecture 3 credits

A seminar course for fifth-year architecture majors that offers opportunity for in-depth analysis, discussion, and research into contemporary issues that impact the profession of architecture and architectural design. The course will be flexible in the terms of content so that the nature of the material has a currency relevant to the complex, changing nature of the profession. The topical choices may address global concerns such as sustainability, cultural changes, conservation and preservation, information technology, and the emerging role of the architect as a professional in the 21st century. The course structure will be more constant, reflecting the values embodied in the profession, the architecture program, and the university. Specifically, there will be a strong bridge made between pedagogy and teaching methodology; course material will be synthesized and applied in a manner that demonstrates critical thinking, teamwork, creativity and community service. Three hours of seminar per week. Open only to Master’s students in Architecture. 3 lecture hours

AP X1X – Vertical Architecture Studio 5 credits

This problem-oriented studio offers an opportunity for students from various design levels to interact and contribute toward solutions of common topical architectural problems and issues. A maximum of two vertical studios may be taken in place of AP312, AP411, or AP412. Offered summers only. Prerequisite: AP118 or approval of instructor. 1Lecture hour and 12 studio hours

Art

FA 201 – History/Theory of Architecture I 3 credits: This course explores the architecture of different cultures from around the world beginning with the earliest evidence of human habitation and ending with the arrival of the renaissance. It examines the development of domestic, civic, and religious sites, as well as towns and settlements. The course explores major cultural, social, technological, and ideological influences on built environments, as well as examines the history, the context, and the form of notable examples. Three hours of lecture per week. Preference given to architecture majors. Note: Students who successfully complete this course may not take FA221.
FA 202 – History/Theory of Architecture II 3 credits: This course explores the architecture of different cultures from around the world focusing on Western architecture from the Renaissance to the 19th century. It examines the development of domestic, civic, and religious sites, as well as towns and settlements. The course explores major cultural, social, and technological influences on built environments, as well as looks at the history, the context, and the form of notable examples. It additionally examines the developing ideologies of prominent practitioners. Three hours of lecture per week. Preference given to Architecture majors.
FA 221 – History of Visual Arts I: Prehistoric to 1350 3 credits: This course presents a survey of the history of art (including painting, sculpture, decorative objects, and architecture) from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages. While the course focuses on Western society, the art of non-Western cultures is also included. Formal analysis is used to link the visual language of art with social, political, and psychological concerns. Throughout the semester basic questions about art are explored with the intent to stimulate critical thinking about the specific cultures that produce the works. Three hours of lecture per week. Note: Students who successfully complete this course may not take FA201.
FA 222 – History of Visual Arts II: 1350 to the Modern Era 3 credits: This course presents a survey of the history of art (including painting, sculpture, decorative objects, photography, and architecture) from approximately 1350 until the early 20th century. While the course focuses primarily on Western art, the art of selected non-Western cultures is also included. Throughout the semester specific examples of art are explored with the intent to develop a deeper understanding of the goals and agendas of the individual artists and/or cultures that produce the works. Formal analysis is used to link the visual language of art with social, political, and psychological concerns. The ideologies of noted artists will be also explored. Three hours of lecture per week.
FA 240 – History of American Art 3 credits: This course presents a survey of American art and architecture from colonial times to the present. Emphasis is placed on the rise and development of the arts in the United States and the changing nature and functions of art in American Society. European influences and Native American contributions will be noted. Three hours of lecture per week.
FA 250 – Topics in Art 3 credits: Topics, which vary each semester, focus on past and current issues in art related to social and historical contexts, aesthetic theories, traditions, and innovations, as well as the role of art and the artist as agents of cultural communications. This course may be repeated for credit. Three hours of lecture per week.
FA 260 – Art Appreciation 3 credits: This course is introductory in nature and focuses on varied ways to appreciate art: the role of the viewer, the purposes and functions of art, the creative process, materials and technology available to the artist, the role of art in both Western and non-Western cultures, and the definitions and issues of artistic styles. Three hours of lecture per week.
FA 308 – History/Theory of Architectural III 3 credits: This course presents a survey of architecture from approximately the mid eighteenth century through to the early 1930s, focusing on the rise and early development of the modern movement. It integrates the historic aspects of the key examples of architecture and urban design from this ear with the theoretical ideas that generated the built form. Included in the course content is a discussion of the new programs, new social/economic/political organizations and new construction materials and methodologies the drove the search for new forms to represent the new ideas of the modern industrialized era. Prerequisite: FA202. 3 lecture hours
FA 309 – History/Theory of Architecture IV 3 credits: This course presents a survey of architecture from approximately the 1930s to the present day focusing on the various evolutionary paths of architectural development, including the codification of the international style and the subsequent challenges to the modern dogma into eras of mid and late modernism, expressionism, nationalism, organicism, brutalism, regionalism, postmodernism, deconstructivist architecture, and into the integration of the digital in design and manufacture of built works. Each evolutionary stance is discussed through analysis of the key works integrating the historic aspects with the theoretical ideas that generated the architectural works. Prerequisite FA308. 3 hours of lecture.

Studio Art

SA 103 – Introduction to Drawing 3 credits: An introduction to drawing, emphasizing articulation of space and pictorial syntax while developing abilities of perception and ways of seeing. Class work is primarily based on observational study. Assigned projects address fundamental and conceptual problems through historical and contemporary artistic practice. Three-hour studio, one-hour lecture per week.
SA 104 – Introduction to Visual Design 3 credits: An introduction to the language of visual expression, using studio projects to explore the basic principles of visual art and design as a fundamental component of visual communication. Students acquire a working knowledge of visual syntax applicable to the study of art history, popular culture, and the art of composition. Three-hour studio, one-hour lecture per week.
SA 105 – Introduction to Painting 3 credits: An introduction to the issues of contemporary painting, stressing a beginning command of the conventions of pictorial space, narrative, and the language of color. Students explore painting as a means of communicating ideas through visual symbols and metaphors. Class assignments and individual projects explore technical, conceptual, and historical issues central to the language of painting. Three-hour studio, one-hour lecture per week.
SA 106 – Introduction to Printmaking 3 credits: An introduction to a diverse range of printmaking media: linocut, woodcut, and screen-printing process. Both color and black-and-white printing methods are explored. Class assignments and individual projects explore technical, conceptual, and historical issues central to the language of printmaking and its connections to contemporary culture. Three-hour studio, one-hour lecture per week.
SA 107 – Introduction to Photography 3 credits: An introduction to photographic principles as a means of visual communication and its relationship to history and contemporary issues. The class examines the invention and history of photography. A single-lens reflex manual 35mm film camera is required. Three-hour studio, one-hour lecture per week.
SA 200 – Intermediate Studio 3 credits: This course level is for students pursuing further study in one of the following areas: drawing, design, painting, photography, and printmaking. The focus is on developing more complex levels of thought more thorough incorporation of theory and individual initiative in project content and completion. Only one area of study will be pursued each semester. Can be repeated for credit. Six hours of studio per week. Prerequisite: SA100-level studio in area of study or permission of the instructor.
SA 205 – Water Media 3 credits: This course examines water media, stressing an advanced command of the conventions of pictorial space, narrative, and the language of color and design. Class assignments and individual projects explore technical, conceptual, contemporary, and historical issues central to water media. Attention is given to each student’s unique and expressive handling of the media. Six hours of studio per week. Prerequisite: SA103 or instructor’s permission.
SA 210 – The Portrait 3 credits: This course explores the perceptual and conceptual means to construct the human face as a way to explore, understand, and portray the human condition. The structure of the head is examined as anatomy and as form. Historical examples are presented and examined as well as contemporary theory of the portrait and self-portrait. Six hours of studio per week. Prerequisite: SA103, or instructor’s permission.
SA 265 – Life Drawing 3 credits: The course focuses on study and exploration of the human figure using a range of approaches, with emphasis on observation, anatomy, spatial structure, and the use of life drawing as a means to analyze and explore the nature of the human condition. Historical examples ranging from cave painting to contemporary art are presented, researched, and discussed. Six hours of studio per week. Prerequisite: SA103, or instructor’s permission.
SA 300 – Advanced Studio 3 credits: This course is for students who have completed SA100 and SA200 level courses in their area of study and have a demonstrated ability to be self-directed and self motivated in their purposes and goals. Prior to registration, the student must have an approved outline for their individual course of study. Can be repeated for credit. Six hours of studio per week. Prior to registration, the student must submit in writing, and the instructor must accept, a proposed course of study.

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