Massachusetts Institute of Technology is offering free online course on Global History of Architecture. This course in architectural history is not intended as a linear narrative, but rather aims to provide a more global view, by focusing on different architectural “moments.”
In this course, applicants will learn about humanity’s rich architectural history on this journey around the globe – from 100,000 BCE to ca. 1,600 CE. The course will start on September 19, 2017.
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( votes)Course At A Glance
Length: 12 weeks
Effort: 6 hours pw
Subject: History
Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology and edx
Languages: English
Price: Free
Certificate Available: Yes, Add a Verified Certificate for $49
Session: Course Starts on September 19, 2017
Providers’ Details
Massachusetts Institute of Technology — a coeducational, privately endowed research university founded in 1861 — is dedicated to advancing knowledge and educating students in science, technology, and other areas of scholarship that will best serve the nation and the world in the 21st century. Learn more about MIT. Through MITx, the Institute furthers its commitment to improving education worldwide.
About This Course
How do we understand architecture? One way of answering this question is by looking through the lens of history, beginning with First Societies and extending to the 16th century. This course in architectural history is not intended as a linear narrative, but rather aims to provide a more global view, by focusing on different architectural “moments.”
How did the introduction of iron in the ninth century BCE impact regional politics and the development of architecture? How did new religious formations, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, produce new architectural understandings? What were the architectural consequences of the changing political landscape in northern Italy in the 14th century? How did rock-cut architecture move across space and time from West Asia to India to Africa? How did the emergence of corn impact the rise of religious and temple construction in Mexico?
Each lecture analyzes a particular architectural transformation arising from a dynamic cultural situation. Material covered in lectures will be supplemented by readings from the textbook A Global History of Architecture.
Learning Outcomes
- History and context of the important buildings that shaped our culture
- History of technological advances that significantly impacted the development of architecture
- Impacts of certain cultural and religious traditions on architecture
- History of climate and geographical changes that shaped human civilization and its architecture
Instructors
Mark Jarzombek
Mark Jarzombek is Professor of the History and Theory of Architecture at MIT where he also serves as Associate Dean of the School of Architecture and Planning.
Requirements
None
How To Join This Course
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