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063-0801-00L 2 Credits MSC D-ARCH
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History of Art and Architecture VII: Antiquity and Medieval

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Cara Rachele
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:36:01

Abstract

This lecture studies Antiquity and the Middle Ages through their reception since the Renaissance. We will investigate the role of history for architects then and now through analysis of how architecture has been defined in relationship to the antique and medieval past. Short weekly reading and class participation required.

Objective

Deepen basic knowledge, improve ability to critically analyze architectural history texts, develop humanities-based reasoning and argument skills

Content

In the Renaissance, the practice of architecture fundamentally transformed into the design-based discipline it is now largely assumed to be. Both then and especially in nineteenth- and twentieth-century architectural history, this change was understood in opposition to “good” ancient and “bad” medieval models. This course investigates Antiquity and the Middle Ages as variously fashioned in the mind of the architect and the architectural historian. How does our understanding of these periods inform our thinking about the use of history for the contemporary architect? This course is a combination lecture and discussion class: maximum one text per week will be read at home and discussed in the course meeting. At-home reading and active in-class participation are required.

Resources

Literature

Scans of the weekly readings will be made available on the course website.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture History of Art and Architecture VII: Antiquity and Medieval
Keine Lehrveranstaltung am 22.10. (Seminarwoche) sowie am 10. und 17.12.2020 (vor Schlussabgaben). Die genauen Unterrichtszeiten von ONLINE - Veranstaltungen werden von den Dozierenden kommuniziert.
  • Thu 10:00-12:00 (ON LI NE)
2 h weekly

Offered In