The Architecture of the Building

Course

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/L_AABAMKD217

Course Objective

At the end of this course, students are expected to: 1. Be able to recognize and date key buildings and structures from the history of (Western) architecture; 2. Be able to relate these objects to historical developments in architectural style, to their social-cultural and historical contexts and to current debates; 3. Name typical features of architectural styles, buildings and ideas about the built environment throughout time, and be able to compare and relate these to each other; 4. Be able to analyse buildings with use of plans, maps, elevations, sections and other sources. 5. Is able to demonstrate their newly-developed skills in a written assessment.

Course Content

In this course students focus on the history of (Western) architecture by studying the most important buildings, historical backgrounds, theoretical principles and key texts. Students learn to critically reflect on the architectural historical canon, including both Dutch and international examples. Moreover, students learn to further develop their visual analysis skills by analysing buildings and building types. *Students of the Reinwardt Academie follow this course in period 2 in English. In this case, the course will be coordinated by a VU teacher in collaboration with a teacher from the Reinwardt Academie.*

Teaching Methods

Lectures, seminars, and excursion(s). The lectures and seminars of this course are offered in English only. Students following the Dutch (i.e. bilingual) track can submit all written assignments in either English or Dutch. Exceptions are multiple-choice tests, assignments with peer reviewers across language tracks, and group assignments (across language tracks).

Method of Assessment

This course comprises a verbal presentation (20%) and a written exam (80%). Connection between learning objectives and assessment: Learning objectives 1,2,3,4 will be assessed through the verbal presentation as well as the written exam.

Literature

A list of mandatory class literature will be published on Canvas and/orthe Study Manual.

Target Audience

This course is compulsory for all second-year BA MKDA students with thespecialisation Architecture. It is open as an elective to other MKDAstudents.

Custom Course Registration

For exchange students approval of the coordinator is requested to beadmitted to the course.

Additional Information

For attendance rules, see Teaching and Examination Regulations. Students should be aware that regular attendance is necessary to pass the course.

Entry Requirements

See the Onderwijs
- en Examenregeling (OER), c.q. Teaching and ExamRegulations (TER) for MKDA.
Academic year1/09/2431/08/25
Course level6.00 EC

Language of Tuition

  • English

Study type

  • Bachelor