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Mark Jarzombek

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."

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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. Join us on a journey around the globe and learn how architecture has developed and interacted with the world’s culture, religion, and history.

What you'll learn

  • 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

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • 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

Syllabus

Lecture 1: The First SocietiesLecture 2: The Gravettians and the Hunting Traditions of the NorthLecture 3: The Holocene and the Agro-Pastoral EmergenceLecture 4: Agricultural EmergenceLecture 5: Stone – Between Life and DeathLecture 6: Cities and TemplesLecture 7: After the Cataclysm and the Rise of the Eastern MediterraneanLecture 8: Iron and the New World OrderLecture 9: Persia and GreeceLecture 10: India and ChinaLecture 11: Buddhism - India and BeyondLecture 12: Americas - Shaping/Harvesting the LandLecture 13: RomeLecture 14: Roman ArchitectureLecture 15: Early Christian ArchitectureLecture 16: Christianity and the Roman EastLecture 17: Early Islamic ArchitectureLecture 18: Early Hindu ArchitectureLecture 19: Borobudur, Angkor, and SE AsiaLecture 20: The 13th Century - Inner Asia and BeyondLecture 21: Medieval Christian ArchitectureLecture 22: Italy - 13th to the 15th CenturyLecture 23: Colonial TransitionsLecture 24: Time

Good to know

Know what's good
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Introduces major architectural developments in diverse regions across time periods, providing a broad perspective on architecture's evolution
Provides historical context for understanding how cultural, religious, and technological factors have shaped architectural design
In-depth analysis of specific architectural transformations allows students to appreciate the nuances of architectural design and its evolution
Global perspective examines architectural developments in various regions, offering a comprehensive understanding of global architectural history
Taught by Mark Jarzombek, an established architectural historian, which lends credibility to the content
Requires basic understanding of architectural history concepts and terminology for optimal benefit

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Reviews summary

Architecture through time

According to students, this course is an excellent resource for learning about the global history of architecture. Many students commented on how the course expanded their understanding of humanity, history, and architecture. The professor's enthusiasm for the subject also made the course enjoyable for many.
This course will greatly expand your understanding of architecture.
"The content of this course was fantastic: it greatly expanded my understanding of humanity, of history, and of the meaning of architecture."
"i think this course deliver a bigger perspective and general enough to grasp the impact of architecture to human and how human impacting the development of architecture throughout history. very clear and good"
The professor's enthusiasm for the subject makes the course enjoyable.
"Presentation was a little less "slick" than some other courses, but it's worth getting used to; prof is enthusiastic and lectures are personal as well as academic."
"This is an excellent course taught by a very engaging professor."
This course is a great resource for people interested in learning about architecture.
"This course is an excellent resource for learning about the global history of architecture."
"The content of this course was fantastic: it greatly expanded my understanding of humanity, of history, and of the meaning of architecture."
"This is an excellent course taught by a very engaging professor."

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for A Global History of Architecture. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete A Global History of Architecture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Architect
An Architect designs buildings, and they may also supervise the construction of those buildings. Understanding architectural history is vital to an Architect, as it provides foundational knowledge of different architectural styles, materials, and techniques. This course in particular would be incredibly helpful to Architects who want to work on projects inspired by historical periods or styles, and provides important context for many different types of architectural projects.
Architectural Historian
An Architectural Historian studies the history of architecture, and they may also write about or teach about architecture. A course on the global history of architecture would be an excellent fit for someone in this role, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the subject.
Art historian
An Art Historian studies the history of art, and they may also write about or teach about art. This course may be useful for someone entering this role, as it provides a strong foundation in architectural history and different architectural styles.
Museum curator
A Museum Curator oversees the collection and preservation of museum artifacts. This course may be useful for someone entering this role, as it provides a strong foundation in architectural history and different architectural styles.
Art conservator
An Art Conservator restores and preserves works of art. This course may be useful for someone entering this role, as it provides a strong foundation in architectural history and different architectural styles.
Interior designer
An Interior Designer plans and designs the interior spaces of buildings. This course may be useful for someone entering this role, as it provides a strong foundation in architectural history and different architectural styles.
Electrical Engineer
An Electrical Engineer designs and analyzes electrical systems, such as lighting, power, and communication systems. This course may be useful for someone entering this role, as it provides a strong foundation in architectural history and different architectural styles.
Urban Planner
An Urban Planner develops plans for the development and use of land in urban areas. This course may be useful for someone entering this role, as it provides a strong foundation in architectural history and different architectural styles.
Historian
A Historian studies the past by examining written records and other sources. This course may be useful for someone entering this role, as it provides a strong foundation in architectural history and different architectural styles.
Archaeologist
An Archaeologist studies the past by excavating and examining artifacts. This course may be useful for someone entering this role, as it provides a strong foundation in architectural history and different architectural styles.
Landscape Architect
A Landscape Architect designs outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and campuses. This course may be useful for someone entering this role, as it provides a strong foundation in architectural history and different architectural styles.
Structural Engineer
A Structural Engineer designs and analyzes the structural elements of buildings and other structures. This course may be useful for someone entering this role, as it provides a strong foundation in architectural history and different architectural styles.
Mechanical Engineer
A Mechanical Engineer designs and analyzes mechanical systems, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This course may be useful for someone entering this role, as it provides a strong foundation in architectural history and different architectural styles.
Architectural Drafter
An Architectural Drafter creates technical drawings and plans for buildings. This course may be useful for someone entering this role, as it provides a strong foundation in architectural history and different architectural styles.
Civil Engineer
A Civil Engineer designs and builds infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and dams. This course may be useful for someone entering this role, as it provides a strong foundation in architectural history and different architectural styles.

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