University of Southern California

School of Architecture

ARCH 214a: A SURVEY OF ARCHITECTURE:

ANTIQUITY THROUGH THE MIDDLE AGES

Fall 1997

Time: Tuesday & Thursday -- 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Location: Harris Hall 101
Professor: James Steele
Office: Harris Hall 109 - James Steele
Hours: Tues. 3-6 p.m.; Thurs. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Phone: (213) 740-4574 (office) (310) 306-7245 (home)


Description

The course is a survey of the history of architecture and the urban environment from the first known human settlements to the end of the Middle Ages. The immediate goal of this course is to achieve historical literacy by developing familiarity with a broad range of architectural traditions. An equally fundamental aim is to construct a framework in which the role of architecture is part of a wider system of social expression in a variety of cultures can be examined.

The basic premise in this course is that architecture is an inextricable function of social development and that a broader understanding of the wide range of diverse cultures that have existed in the past is beneficial and necessary to a more complete appreciation of contemporary expression.

To achieve these goals, lectures will be presented using visual material. The most important selection of these slides will be available on the WEB site. In addition to key required texts, there are reader packets and examinations on this material will be held periodically throughout the semester. These will be machine graded and grades will be posted so that students will be continuously aware of course progress.

Attendance at each class is expected and attendance will be taken. Participation is encouraged.

Requirements

Papers: One 10 page paper is required. Subject and date will be announced.

Examinations: There will be four examinations during the semester. Each exam contributes 10% to your course grade. A final examination will contribute 40% of your grade. The term paper will contribute 30%.Required Readings

1. Trachtenberg/Hyman: Architecture from Prehistory to Modern

2. Panofsky: Gothic Architecture and Scholasticism

3. Eliade: Sacred and Profane

4. Christopher Tilley, A Phenomenology of Landscape

5. Packets to be picked up at Magic Machine -- University Village, 3309 S. Hoover, (213) 744-1511.


Bibliography (Reader listings only)


Abouseif, Doris Behrens, Islamic Architecture in Cairo, American University in Cairo Press, 1988.

Coe, Michael D., The Maya, Thames & Hudson.

Dames, Michael, The Silbury Treasure: The Great Goddess Rediscovered, Thames & Hudson, 1995.

Edwards, I.E.S., The Pyramids of Egypt, Penguin Books, 1970.

Krupp, E.C., Echoes of the Ancient Skies, Oxford University Press, 1990.

Mellart, James, Catal Huyuk, Johns Hopkins Press, 1966.

Ozdural, Alpay, "Omar Khayyam, Mathematicians and Conversazioni with Artisans," Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians, March 1995, p. 54-71.

Panofsky, Erwin, Abbot Suger on the Abbey Church of St. Denis, Princeton University Press, 1979.

Rabbat, Nasser, "Writing the History of Islamic Architecture in Cairo," Design Book Review, 31, p. 48-51.

Steele, James, Hellenistic Architecture in Asia Minor, Academy Editions, 1991.

Wood, Michael, In Search of the Trojan War, Facts on File New York, 1995.