Time Schedule:
Meredith L Clausen
EURO 496
Seattle Campus
Spans the architectural history of Paris, from its Gallic, pre-roman origins in the 2nd century BCE through the work of 21st century architects. Focuses on changing patterns of the physical fabric of the city and its buildings, as seen within the context of the broader political, social, economic, and cultural history. Offered: jointly with ART H 494.
Class description
The architecture of Paris, from its Celtic, pre-Ancient Roman origins through President Mitterrand’s Grands Projets and the work of Jean Nouvel, Portzamparc, and others in Paris today. Focus is on changing patterns in the physical fabric of the city contextualized within the broader spheres of political and cultural history.
Student learning goals
Students will know the general history of the development of the city, from a tiny Celtic settlement in the years before the Romans conquered what it was to call Lutèce to the major metropolis it is today.
Students will be able to recognize the major monuments of Paris and to situate them in their historical context.
Students will be able to identify the primary building types of Paris, from half-timbered townhouses to department stores, the vernacular as well as high style.
Students will be familiar with and in a position to discuss the work of the city's most prominent architects-Mansard, Soufflot, Labrouste, Viollet-le-Duc, Guimard, Le Corbusier, Jean Nouvel-within the larger framework of architectural history as a whole.
General method of instruction
Weekly lectures and readings
Recommended preparation
Some familiarity with architectural history would be useful, though not necessary; so too with the history of France: useful but not required.
Class assignments and grading
Course requirements: regular lectures and readings, two exams, one research paper (5-10 pgs if taking the course for 3 credits; 10-15 pgs if taking it for 5), class participation (prior reading expected).
The two exams and research paper.
