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.

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.

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.

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

Basic considerations and design implications of the problem of determination of the materials and the construction details and processes for buildings.

Investigation and design of structure systems : their resistance toseismic and wind forces and integration with architectural design for synergy of form and structure.

A world-wide perspective of architectural history as a product of social, cultural, religious, and political dimensions, a: 4500 BCE to 1500 CE.

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.

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

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

Exploration of digital tools with an emphasis on building information modeling (BIM), parametric modeling, and interoperability including special topics in Architecture/Engineering/Construction (AEC) and sustainable design. Recommended preparation: basic computer skills.

Ideas, problems, and computations related to the design of buildings in response to the luminous and sonic environment.

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

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

Investigation of modern architecture in Southern California within its cultural and historic contexts.

Design of building systems as an experimental process. Prereq: ARCH 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.

Architectural design considered as a technological problem; influence of technology on design; buildings as integrated sets of subsystems.

Application of design concepts, planning protocols and spatial analysis skills to a complex planning or design problem sponsored by a local public, private or not-for-profit client in a studio setting.

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.

Investigation of natural force effects and their relationships to architecture; laboratory work includes drawing, photography, model building and tests on models.

Lectures, comparative studies and exercises on international archtectural sustainability rating and certification systems.

An exploratory study of fundamental and innovative visual communication principles and graphic expression techniques to facilitate the design enquiry process for architects.

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 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

Critical observation of the architecture of public buildings and places and the importance of design in promoting a better contemporary public life.

Design, financial, legal and management challenges of mixed use real estate development; field project.

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 topics in various specialty areas of architecture.

The final architectural project under the guidance of a faculty adviser to demonstrate architectural knowledge, skills, and professional interests and goals.

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.

Confronts the conventional concepts behind modern building science and material applications, re-applying the processes of fabrication and methods of construction to investigate materiality. Prerequisites: ARCH 211 or ARCH 511.

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.

Critical studies in building science ranging from sustainability, lighting, acoustics, materials and methods, structures, energy issues, digital media, and fabrication. Students focus on minimum of two topics.

Studies in contemporary building systems through analysis, research, and computational methods leading to the design of a prototypical building surface. Recommended preparation: A prior knowledge of fundamental building systems and 3D modeling.

Methodologies and exercises on contextual design and environmentally sound technologies (EST's) applications for the sustainability of urban infrastructures, operative landscapes, and building integration in the urban system.

Exploration of the role design plays in enhancing independence and well-being for older people by examining cross-cultural models of housing and community design.

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.

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.

Historical overview of the major domestic and international housing developments and innovations since the early 20th century case study format examining a wide range of issues that determine the form of urban housing in various cultures. Major emphasis on the detail analysis of social, technical, and design factors affecting recent housing developments. Recommended preparation: two years of undergraduate architectural studies.

Techniques, strategies, materials, and standards to topographic design and construction in landscape architecture. In-class labs practice basic grading, drainage design, and stormwater management.

Develop tools and knowledge to expand the performative boundaries of landscape architecture beyond common typologies. Topics range from ecological infrastructure to design with weather patterns. A systematic approach to case studies, landscape technologies, and field trips seeds the knowledge base and representational methods necessary to design and build these complex landscape performances.

Principles and concepts of plant ecology for urban planting design; introduction to California native plant species and communities with field trips and case studies.

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 in urban settings with emphasis on landscape continuities as well as development of integrative schematic proposals and detailed open space design.

Projects for the public realm with emphasis on urbanity and connectivity, place and meaning.

Projects are examined as incremental interventions in the formation and qualities of the evolving urban landscape. Case studies are explored to understand purposes, typologies, catalytic capacities, and strategies for urban landscape design.

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.

Interactions of cities and nature: introduction to the ecology of cities; major threats to urban biodiversity interacting with human attitudes; review of restoration and conservation projects. Recommended preparation: ARCH 531.

Developing and communicating landscape architecture design intent using visualization tools for three-dimensional studies.

Conservation practice within an economic, political, and cultural context looking at the regulatory environment, public advocacy and policy, real estate development, heritage tourism, environmental sustainability, cultural diversity, and interpretation. Recommended preparation: ARCH-549.

Concepts and techniques for building conservation including identification of treatments, recordation and research, material properties and behavior, building forensics, and project implementation. Recommended preparation: ARCH-549.

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.

In-depth analysis of international heritage conservation practice with a focus on a single country, continent, or world region outside the United States. Topics will vary from year to year; may be repeated for credit when subject matter is different.

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

Investigates, compares, and critiques modern and contemporary theories of the designed and built environment by focusing on key figures, movements, and texts.

Introduction to the history, methods, and cases of descriptive and computational geometry impacting representational, modeling, and historically significant paradigms of architectural design. Introduces a range of geometric first principles, technologies and techniques through contemporary design tools.

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.

Theory, design methodology and practice of how seismicity affects architecture and structural system selection required for robust earthquake performance and seismic sustainability.

The fundamental scientific principles governing light and sound in the built environment will be examined in the context of human physiological, psychological and biological needs.

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.

Investigating visual stories as an active tool to critically explore and express design ideas; positions social media and crowdfunding as a foundation for creative action. Not open to Freshmen and Sophomores.

Explores the relationship between urban experience and visual media (from the photographic, to the filmic, to the digital) from circa 1880 to the present.

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.

Selected topics in various speciality areas of architecture.

b. Comprehensive project emphasizing the interaction between general principles and local sites, building technologies and total building design. Open only to Architecture majors.

Design criteria development, material and construction process methods, occupancy based load profiles, performance/material life-cycle-mandates, durability for advanced building systems including integrity in sustainable urban systems.

An overview of research topics in building structures; detailed investigation of selected major issues.

A detailed examination of current issues in the thermal, acoustical and radiant environment; recent developments in criteria, systems, controls, design tools and simulations; an understanding of the relationships between environmental factors, economics, and architectural goals.

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.

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.

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

Technical documentation, graphic representation, and verbal presentation for writing and presenting journal articles and conference presentations in building science.

Directed research option for the MLArch degree.

Directed Design Research option for graduate level architecture degree. Credit on acceptance of research project. Open only to Architecture majors. Graded IP/CR/NC.