USC Schedule of Classes

Introduction to principles and processes; sequence of exercises emphasizing development of basic skills, ideas, and techniques used in the design of simplified architectural projects.

Visual communication techniques applicable to the design of the built environment; drawing, photography, modeling.

Introduction to the ways architecture is created and understood, for minors and non-majors. Hands-on discussion and laboratory session with some drawing and model building. Not available for credit to architecture majors.

Introduction to the ways architecture represents aspirations of culture, satisfies practical and spiritual needs, shapes the social and urban environment, and helps preserve the planet.

Continuing development of principles and processes: sequence of projects selected to broaden awareness of design issues at various scales in the urban context. Prerequisite: 102abL.

Methods for direct observation and recording of the directly experienced built environment through drawing, diagramming, photographing, and writing. Course includes exercises and field experience.

The process and communication of building design: physical building shell, systems for structure, enclosure, and space ordering. Prerequisite: CE 106L.

Investigation and design of elements and systems for buildingstructures; applied mechanics, strength of materials, structuralinvestigation as a design tool. Recommended preparation: PHYS 125 and MATH 108

A worldwide perspective of architectural history as a product of social, cultural, religious, and political dimensions, b: 1500 CE to present.

Ideas, problems, and computations related to the design of buildings in response to the thermal and atmospheric environment; passive solar systems, mechanical control systems.

The architect's sketchbook as a portable laboratory for perceivingand documenting space introduces the study of the builtenvironment. On-site sessions develop drawing, observation, and visualization skills.

Special integrative year including design issues relating to housing.

An intensive historical overview of architecture from prehistory to the present, emphasizing interrelationships of various global cultures and how social considerations were translated into form. Not available for credit to architecture majors.

The design of a building as a complex of interacting systems; relations of subsystems; influences of production and marketing on design.

Investigation of issues, processes, and roles of individuals, groups and communities in relation to present and future shelter needs and aspirations.

Problems and processes of design of building structures; structural investigation for design; codes and standards; design of elements and systems of wood, steel, masonry, and concrete for gravity and lateral loads.

Examination of the buildings, issues and images, the polemics and personalities that are animating current architectural discourse and practice.

(Study abroad programs only) Study of the relationships between places and culture through readings, lectures, discussion and weekly field trips.

Survey of opportunities, specializations, and professions related to architecture provides a resource for professional growth for architecture majors, and introduction to the field for non-majors.

Selected areas of specialization; three projects chosen with advisement from a variety of studio offerings that concentrate on different areas of vital concern.

Selected areas of specialization; three projects chosen with advisement from a variety of studio offerings that concentrate on different areas of vital concern.

Emphasis on developing advanced urban spatial design solutions set within contemporary urban conditions, with a particular emphasis on ecology, public space, neighborhoods and districts. Prerequisite: Arch 303.

Design of building systems as an experimental process. Prerequisite: 305abL.

Offered for particular geographic areas of study. Required prerequisite for all full semester undergraduate global programs. Also intended for general interest in focused study on particular geographic area.

Investigation of computer graphic applications, emphasizing the role of computers in helping designers create and communicate using color (rendering), form (modeling), and time (animation) and the implications of future technological advancements. Prerequisite: ARCH 207.

Introduction to basic architectural design principles for problem solving scenarios; foundational architectural design course for systematic thinking.

To explore the potential of computer-integrated design software; to develop techniques for critical analysis of architectural precedents; to expand the ability to visualize options; to expand perception; and to learn the basics of computer-integrated design.

Focus on one aspect of world history and theory to develop deeper understanding of architecture and urbanism. Topics vary from year to year, may be repeated for credit if subject matter is different.

Perceiving and documenting the built environment through the perspective and frame of the digital camera. Mastering the basic principles of the digital image though an understanding of frame, light, exposure, color correction, and printing output.

See how light alters the visual impact of architectural forms; master high-resolution images both with film and digital; become a professional image developer/processor utilizing photographic software.

Color theory, constructed drawings, constructed shadows, descriptive geometry, constructed perspective drawing, and layered wash techniques lead to experimentation with methods of representing materiality and construction in design projects.

Field studies using direct observation, site recordings/documentation, analysis and evaluation supplemented by discussions and readings in architecture. Departmental approval. Recommended preparation: core curriculum

Field studies using direct observation, site recordings/documentation, analysis and evaluation supplemented by discussions and readings in urbanism. Departmental approval. Recommended preparation: core curriculum

Field studies using direct observation, site recordings/documentation, analysis and evaluation supplemented by discussions and readings in tectonics. Departmental approval. Recommended preparation: core curriculum

Introductory media workshop for new landscape architecture students in the 3-year graduate program. Topics include: hand drawing, measuring, architectural drawings, computer software tutorials, and field trips.

Introduction to methods of inquiry, research framework, and scholarly writing necessary to develop a comprehensive foundation for the Architectural Studies Capstone (ARCH 470b)

Collaborative research project and research paper in an area of concentration.

An investigation into 20th century furniture design and its relationships to architecture, art and design.

Individual research and readings. Not available for graduate credit.

Selected areas of specialization; projects chosen from a variety of studio offerings, all with an emphasis on the comprehensive design of buildings. Prerequisite: 402abL. Corequisite: ARCH 501.

Seminar supporting the research, development, and writing of Degree Project Paper provides a comprehensive base of information for the final Bachelor of Architecture studio.

A general introduction to architectural principles, intended to develop design and critical thinking skills and proficiency to communicate those ideas effectively. Open to graduate architecture majors only.

Fundamental theories and meanings of computation as a technique in architectural design.

Research and analysis, including written and graphic components, that tests a question/proposition in detail in preparation for Independent Degree Project Document. Corequisite: ARCH 501.

Studies of construction system development within the architectural design context; processes and issues of selection, evaluation, optimization, integration, design control, and innovation, Departmental approval.

Issues and problems in the development of structural systems for buildings; design criteria, system choice, design development, optimization, subsystem integration. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

A historical survey of global architecture, analyzed as a product of social, cultural, religious and political forces.a: 4500 BCE to 1500 CE; b: 1500 CE to present.

A compressed course in design criteria and calculation methods for mechanical and passive solar systems (loads, plant system, duct, and storage sizing) and lighting and acoustics (CIE and IES methods, dBA and NC systems). Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

a. Introduction to behavior and analysis of building structures. Structural loading, materials, and element types will be explored to understand the basic building blocks of buildings. b. Investigation and design of building structural systems for gravity, wind and seismic loading. Comprehensive design exploration of framing type, materials, detailing, layout, form and integration. Recommended preparation: One-semester college-level course in physics or calculus.

Comparative studies of professional practice between U.S. firms and firms in other countries. Open to international upper-division undergraduate and graduate architecture students only. Graded CR/NC.

Design methodology, typology programming, site analysis, budget formulation and pro-forma procedures. Office management, emphasizing professional service and professional ethics as well as project management focusing on the architect's responsibilities during construction. Prerequisites: ARCH-500a or ARCH-605b.

Applications and precedents for the architect interested in designing multi-family housing. Review of the sources of modern housing types, the impact of building codes and technology on the form and construction of housing, and study of housing densities, comparative analysis of multi-family residential patterns. Major emphasis on critical knowledge of historic housing typologies as they are applied to site conditions and groupings, building form, section, organization, and the design of individual dwellings. Recommended preparation: two years of undergraduate architectural studies.

Introduction to the principles and ethics, scope and activities, and types of organization for landscape architecture practice.

Lectures, laboratory exercises and field trips introducing basic knowledge of the continually transforming landscape as a base for human settlement.

Development of methods and skills for the study of landscape architecture design and for project presentation, including natural resource and urban mapping.

Exploration of emerging techniques for landscape architecture study, presentation and documentation; topics may vary each semester; may be repeated for credit when subject matter is different.

Projects on urban sites with emphasis on cultural and ecological purpose and on urban place and form; use of traditional and digital media.

Project strategies for urban infrastructure repair and intervention, phasing, and design of initial catalytic projects.

Explores contemporary landscape architecture propositions and projects in the context of cities. The exploration methodology includes the study of epochal projects and theoretical texts organized by central themes of nature and culture.

Concepts and strategies for conservation of significant elements of the built environment: buildings, sites and communities as revealed by readings, site visits, and case studies.

Survey of basic guidelines and standards for documentation in historic preservation, including cultural resource surveys, historic structures reports and Historic American Building Survey and Historic American Engineering Record recordation.

History of American architecture and urbanism from prehistory to World War II examined in relation to European influences and indigenous developments.

Heritage conservation practicum utilizing in-depth documentation methodology to explore the historic built environment of greater Los Angeles. Topics will vary from year to year; may be repeated for credit when subject matter is different.

Trans-disciplinary intensive reading and discussion course related to issues in contemporary heritage conservation.

Analysis of the intersection between green building and historic resources with an emphasis on stewardship and sustainability.

Concepts and strategies for urban design and place-making for heritage conservation as revealed by place-making exercises, site visits, and case studies.

Examines urbanism through case studies in theory and design to understand the impacts of globalization, technology, and sustainability on the contemporary city.

Architectural themes and case studies focusing on the the design and development of architecture, from the industrial city to today.

Comparative analysis and appreciation of landscape architecture as a manifestation of nature, society, and design. Topics and world regions vary from year to year; may be repeated for credit when subject matter is different.

Application of the scientific principles governing the thermal environment and human physiology to contemporary issues of environmentally responsive building energy concepts and systems. Recommended preparation ARCH 505aL.

Course outlines the building design and its performance diagnostic processes required to assure indoor environmental quality and the building occupants environmental health, productivity, and physiological comfort.

The physics, technical knowledge, professional knowledge, design, and documentation processes used in architectural lighting design, including first principles, manual calculations and computer simulations..

Off-campus field studies using direct observation, site recordings/documentation, analysis and evaluation supplemented by discussions and readings.

A practical introduction to digital fabrication. Covered topics include 3D surface milling, thermoforming, materials, casting and shop technology as applied to repeatable surfaces in architecture.

Provides hands-on prototyping experience with environmental sensing, actuation, and embedded computing technologies.

Research leading to the master's degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.

Exploration of topics leading to development of a thesis prospectus. Topics may be in the areas of building structures, seismic design, environmental control, passive and active energy, or other relevant topics. Graded CR/NC.

Selected topics in various speciality areas of architecture.

a: Principles of structural (seismic/wind and gravity), HVAC, building envelope, access/egress, building service systems; and sustainable strategies critically integrated through tectonic performative goals. . Prerequisite: ARCH-505b. Open only to Architecture majors.

Introduction to a range of new technologies and techniques examining their technical and theoretical implications including advanced computational design techniques and geospatial design tools.

Learn and practice the process by which a landscape design is assembled through materials systems and design documentation.

Fully integrated landscape place design; reclamation sites at significant urban or natural locations.

Introduction to, and exploration of, topics leading to the development of a thesis prospectus and directed research towards the completion of the master's thesis in heritage conservation.

Introduction to, and exploration of, topics leading to the development of a thesis prospectus and directed research towards the completion of the master's thesis in heritage conservation. Credit on acceptance of thesis. Registration restricted to Master of Heritage Conservation and Historic Preservation students who have satisfactorily completed 12 hours of graduate course work and have permission of the Program Director. Graded IP/CR/NC.

Research and thesis for the Master of Building Science degree. Credit on acceptance of thesis. Graded IP/CR/NC.

Research and thesis for the Master of Building Science degree.

Directed research option for the MLArch degree.

Directed research option for the M.L.Arch. degree. Credit on acceptance of research project. Graded IP/CR/NC.

Advanced topical investigations emphasizing diverse areas of specialization. Projects will be faculty-led research investigations that concentrate on diverse areas of vital concern. Prerequisite: ARCH 605bL or ARCH 702L. Open only to Architecture majors.

Research leading to the doctorate. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the School of Architecture. Graded CR/NC.

Directed Design Research option for graduate level architecture degree. Credit on acceptance of research project. Prerequisite: ARCH 605bL or ARCH 702L. Open only to Architecture majors. Graded IP/CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of dissertation. Graded IP/CR/NC.