Architectural History, Minor
The Minor in Architectural History introduces students to architecture as a cultural, historical, theoretical, and intellectual field. The program emphasizes the study of buildings, landscapes, and urban environments through both historical methods and critical theoretical frameworks. Students learn to analyze architecture as a material practice shaped by social, political, environmental, and cultural forces, while also developing the conceptual tools needed to interpret spatial practices across time and geography. The minor combines survey-level foundations in architectural and world art history, advanced coursework in architectural history, and required engagement with architectural theory and spatial studies. This structure ensures that students gain chronological breadth, methodological rigor, and theoretical depth. Through electives drawn from Architecture, History of Art, and related disciplines, students are encouraged to pursue focused interests while maintaining a strong grounding in architectural history.
For more information: http://www.sas.upenn.edu/arthistory/undergraduate/minor
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Requirements | ||
| Historical Foundations | 4 | |
| Survey Courses | ||
| Select two of the following: | ||
| World Art Before 1400 | ||
| Renaissance to the Present | ||
| Art and Civilization in East Asia | ||
| Art of Global Asia | ||
| Architect and History | ||
| What is the Future of Architecture? | ||
| What is Modern Art? | ||
| Eye, Mind, and Image: Introduction to Visual Studies | ||
| What is Contemporary Art? | ||
| Upper-Level Architectural History | ||
Two courses at the 2000-level or above in architectural history (ARTH), emphasizing architecture, urbanism, or the built environment | ||
| Theory and Spatial Frameworks Core | 2 | |
| Architectural Theory Requirement | ||
Select one course from the Architectural Theory offerings | ||
| Theory I | ||
| Theory II | ||
| Select the following course which serves as a bridge between historical analysis and theoretical inquiry, situating modern and contemporary architecture within broader cultural and conceptual debates. | ||
| Modern Architecture, from the Enlightenment to the Present | ||
| Advanced Electives 1 | 2 | |
| Concepts for Understanding Space in the Americas | ||
| Spatial Reparations: Material and Territorial Practices of Justice | ||
| Topics In Architecture | ||
| Topics in Theory | ||
| Art and Architecture in Ancient Egypt | ||
| Greek Architecture and Urbanism | ||
| Architects and Empire: Roman Architecture and Urbanism | ||
| Byzantine Art and Architecture | ||
| Topics in Architectural History | ||
| Total Course Units | 8 | |
- 1
Students complete two additional upper-level courses (2000-level or above) selected from Architectural History (ARTH, Architecture and Spatial Theory (ARCH), or, Approved related fields (e.g., Urban Studies, Anthropology, Environmental Studies, Visual Studies) At least one of these electives must emphasize architectural history or architectural theory. One course may be taken outside the History of Art or Architecture departments, subject to approval by the History of Art Department Undergraduate Chair. Recent and planned upper-level elective courses in Art History and Architecture that can be used to satisfy the Advanced Electives requirement include
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.