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Unit information: Architecture and Urbanism in 2013/14

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Unit name Architecture and Urbanism
Unit code HART20019
Credit points 20
Level of study I/5
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director Dr. Alexandra Hoare
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

NONE

Co-requisites

NONE

School/department Department of History of Art (Historical Studies)
Faculty Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

The unit explores the architecture, urban planning, and architectural theory of major European centres of production. It investigates the practice and development of several architects, such as Gianlorenzo Bernini, Francesco Borromini, Inigo Jones, Christopher Wren and Louis Le Vau, who made important and influential contributions to the history of architecture and urban planning. It considers their work in relation to broader religious, political, cultural and aesthetic issues of the period in question. Some of the principal themes to be explored include the ways in which sacred buildings structured (and were structured by) religious experience; how both sacred and secular buildings embodied and projected the ambitions of religious and temporal sovereigns; and how palaces and grand houses articulated the social order.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit students will have developed: (1) a wider knowledge of the work and significance of a range of early modern architects; (2) the ability to analyse and generalise about issues of architecture and its relationship to the rest of society; (3) the ability to select pertinent evidence/data in order to illustrate/demonstrate more general issues and arguments; (4) the ability to derive benefit from, and contribute effectively to, large group discussion; (5) the ability to identify a particular academic interpretation, evaluate it critically, and form an individual viewpoint.

Teaching Information

1 x 2-hour interactive lecture per week.

Assessment Information

One summative coursework essay of 3000 words (50%) and one unseen examination of two hours comprising 2 questions out of 8 (50%).

Reading and References

Joseph Connors, ‘Sant’ Ivo alla Sapienza: The First Three Minutes’ (1996). Mark Girouard, Life in the English Country House: A Social and Architectural History (1978). Richard Krautheimer, The Rome of Alexander VII, 1655-1667 (1987). Frédérique Lemerle and Yves Pauwels, Baroque Architecture, 1600-1750 (2008). Rudolf Wittkower, Art and Architecture in Italy, 1600-1750 (1999). Heinrich Wölfflin, Principles of Art History (1915).

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