GenEds & Electives

Fully online, Tier 1 Traditions & Cultures

The purpose of this course is to lay the foundation for architectural literacy and develop an understanding of architecture’s role in society through ancient times to present day. This is accomplished through studying the major components that affect architecture: region, culture and technology. The basis of this knowledge is found in understanding the relationship between a society and the forms it creates, as the built environment has a permanent and profound impact on personal health, productivity and happiness, and on community life. The course follows these factors chronologically through the history of world civilizations, from ancient civilizations to contemporary society in the East and West.

Usually offered: Fall
Units: 3
Instructor: Ashley Simone

Fully online, Tier 1 Traditions & Cultures

A multidisciplinary introduction to the Sonoran region of Southern Arizona and Northwest Mexico. Providing the context for settlement long before our current political boundaries were shaped, the Sonora is a culture that spans time, human institutions and political ideology. The course’s topics range from earth and natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, architecture and landscape architecture. Self-guided, self-selected field trips form the basis for written investigations; online discussions of texts and current topics broaden understanding of the region and the various ways it is experienced.

Usually offered: Fall
Units: 3
Instructor: Wendy Lotze
Courses syllabus: 

Fully online, Tier 2 Humanities

This course will provide an overview of global architectural history from the Industrial Revolution to today with an emphasis on how architects apply historical knowledge in contemporary practice.

Note: Bachelor of Architecture students may not utilize this for the GenEd Tier 2 Humanities requirement.

Usually taught: Fall
Units: 3
Instructor: Lisa Schrenk

Fully online, Tier 2 Humanities

This course will examine contemporary exhibitions in the Americas and Europe with the intention of sensitizing the student to the connections between art, design and architecture.

Usually offered: Fall
Units: 3
Instructor: Ashley Simone

Fully online, Tier 1 Individuals & Societies

This course is a broad exploration of the natural and built American landscape and how the unique character of American culture continues to shape this place. With readings, discussions, and videos, students will examine dynamic dialogue between humans and nature to understand the creation of the American landscape. Students will understand that both the built environments, such as cities, parks, gardens, and preserves of wild, scenic, and cultural landscapes can be interpreted as physical manifestations of different American ideologies.

Usually offered: Fall, Spring
Units: 3
Instructor: Gina Chorover

Fully online, Tier 2 Individuals & Societies

This course examines the history, function, politics and design of parks, gardens and other urban public spaces in American cities. A typology of public space will be presented and used to examine public life today and how design and public involvement influence the nature of public space. The course will examine contemporary issues in parks and public space such as place-making, environmental integrity and sustainability, diversity and accessibility issues, children and nature, and the privatization of public space.

Usually offered: Fall
Units: 3
Instructor: Gina Chorover

Fully online, Tier 2 Individuals & Societies

More than half of humanity lives in cities. This course surveys international cities to help students understand the world’s urban systems, global variations in urban environments, and the diversity in organization and functioning of cities. Using a case study methodology, the class compares and contrasts contemporary paths of urban development. Students gain an introduction to a variety of urban forms and approaches to sustaining the urban environment worldwide.

The class examines the interplay between human activities and land, water, and energy policies that shape the use of urban resources to produce the built environment. Students will be introduced to the tasks and methods of urban planning and consider what determines variations in urban design, land use, transportation, energy use, water consumption, infrastructure plans, economic development, and urban social functions. Students will learn about improving the quality of urban environments by comparing contemporary cities, both industrialized and developing cities.

Usually offered: Spring
Units: 3
Instructor: Kenny Wong

Fully online, Building Connections, Tier 2 Individuals & Societies, Diversity Emphasis

This course engages planning for equitable cities by engaging the historical and contemporary role of urban planning in shaping our cities' built and social environments and the different ways more vulnerable populations experience the city. Thematically, we begin with an introduction to how gender has historically been conceptualized in urban planning; dive into gendered concerns within urban spaces; introduce the concept of intersectionality to understand challenges of those who hold multiple identities; engage the historical and contemporary role of LGBTQ enclaves in community transformation; and end with a unit about regulating sex work in urban spaces.

As we explore the connection between gender/sexuality with urban planning, we continually grapple with who has the power to design and maintain public, the norms of behavior, and the use within them. This includes understanding how urban planning has contributed to our current system of spatial injustice (housing, transportation, etc); the historically male, white dominance in the field; and how urban planning is turning towards a more diverse conception of community and community power.

Usually offered: Fall, Spring
Units: 3
Instructor: Sandy Bernal

Fully online, Tier 2 Individuals & Societies

Cities around the globe are working to be more sustainable in response to social, economic and environmental problems.

This course introduces you to the sustainability paradigm and the role that urban planning and design can play. We will explore issues ranging from economic sustainability to the conservation of natural resources, urban sprawl, and consumerism. We will consider alternatives that promote sustainable cities, such as walkability, green building, and biodiversity.

Usually offered: Fall
Units: 3
Instructor: Philip Stoker