History of Art and Architecture VI: Antiquity and Medieval

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 readings 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. Occasional at-home reading and active in-class participation are required; the final assignment is a written research assignment (due during the exam period).

Resources