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History of Architecture B.A.

Develop a rich understanding of how humanity has interacted with the environment by transforming the landscape and constructing cities and buildings under different sociopolitical circumstances.
Exterior of a modern building with an image projected on it in the evening.
There's no shortage of impressive architecture in the City of Syracuse. For example, the Everson Museum, designed by globally acclaimed architect I.M.Pei, is showcased here as a projection space for the Urban Video Project in partnership with Light Works.

About this Program

  • Dive into a vibrant array of interdisciplinary courses spanning Western Europe, South and East Asia and the Islamic world.
  • Learn from a diverse and distinguished faculty from both the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Art and Music Histories and the School of Architecture.
  • Elevate your academic experience and employability with the unique opportunity of pairing your history of architecture major with a minor in architecture at the prestigious School of Architecture on Syracuse’s campus.
  • Go global with your education and immerse yourself in unique cultures and built environments with a transformative semester in either London, England, or Florence, Italy, seamlessly continuing your major studies at a Syracuse University Abroad center.
  • Sharpen your visual acuity in an increasingly image-driven world with courses designed to hone your close and critical looking skills.
  • Equip yourself with in-demand skills: advanced analytical, creative inquiry, critical thinking, and effective communication abilities—essential for thriving in the professional world and excelling in graduate studies.
  • Students have the opportunity to join the Music & Culture Living Learning Community.

Program Information

Degree Type

Major

Outcome

B.A.

Modality

In-person

College or School

Exterior of Hall of languages building

College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) is Syracuse University’s first and largest college. As the home of the liberal arts, our internationally recognized programs provide the cornerstone of a Syracuse University education with 50+ majors in the natural sciences and mathematics, the humanities and the social sciences (in partnership with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs).
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Curriculum

Take two required introductory courses on the history of architecture, followed by eight courses of your choice with a narrower focus within the field. Those courses are offered both on Syracuse’s main campus and at Syracuse Abroad centers, mostly in London and Florence.

  • Identify architects, architectural theorists, buildings, urban and landscape designs, styles, typologies and technologies developed in the built environment, from different geographical areas, periods and traditions.
  • Analyze the built environment and its representations through close observation using appropriate architectural vocabulary, conceptual frames and methodologies specific to the history of architecture.
  • Explain the relationships between the built environment and the religious beliefs, political ideologies, social structures, and economic and technological development of the societies that created them.
  • Carry out research to identify reliable scholarly literature and visual and written documentation in archives, libraries and databases.
  • Develop new interpretations about the built environment supported by persuasive arguments, solid evidence and synthesized information.
  • Communicate complex and nuanced ideas about the built environment in writing, discussions and public presentations, with the aid of images and current technology.

  • Art and Architecture of India
  • The Architecture of Revolutions
  • Art, Architecture and the Supernatural in 11th-12th Century Europe
  • American Architecture, 1860 to World War I
  • Introduction to the History of Buddhist Architecture

Extracurricular Opportunities

Research

The SOURCE Program

The SOURCE program provides funding and support for undergraduate participation in faculty-guided scholarly research and creative inquiry. Student participants progress through initial training in research or other creative skills, to designing and revising the structure of their projects, and culminating in research, creative and professional contributions that are original and timely.

Research

Special Collections Research Center

The Special Collections Research Center in Bird Library invites you to explore its extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts, historic photographs and other primary source materials, many of which are related to the history of architecture.

Hands-on learning opportunities

Summer Internship

Students are encouraged to do professional internships in the field with the supervision of a faculty member.

Research

Syracuse University Art Museum

The Syracuse University Art Museum has an extensive collection of prints, watercolors and drawings related to the history and reception of architecture. It is a teaching museum and a museum-laboratory for exploration, experimentation and discussion, promoting original research and creative thinking.

An image of the Syracuse University Art Museum. A large metal art installation stands in front of the museum.

Learn more about this program

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