USC Schedule of Classes

Immersive, project-based architecture thinking, drawing, building, and making course, which includes aspects of professional development and college readiness. (Not available for major or minor credit.)

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Perspectives in Architecture and Urbanism is an advanced course that allows students to delve deeply into one aspect of world history, theory and/or contemporary issues to develop more focused and critical understanding of that discourse.

Principles underlying computer programming, emphasizing algorithms, procedures, and program structures applicable to architecture.

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

Introductory field studies and media workshop for new landscape architecture students. Topics include: regional ecology, field drawing, measured drawings, computer software (Adobe Creative Suite, Autocad, Rhinoceros, GIS).

Methods for studying patterns of spatial differentiation of women throughout history from home to city, embodied in gender specific language and gendered spaces.

An introduction to the architectural philosophies of seven influential California architects through reading and site visits to significant case studies.

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

Modeled after Renaissance Salons, this "flipped classroom" course relies on lectures by luminaries and discussions as a means to interrogate the role of the architect.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

The evolution of healthcare design and construction is traced from small scale to major medical centers with emphasis on technology, landscape design and public health.

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.

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

Principles of planting design for landscape architecture focusing on form/space and sustainable performance. Planting design strategies for improved planetary health and resilience.

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

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.

Introduction to methods of inquiry and documentation including critical review of published materials, techniques for systematic observation, generating findings from comparative studies of relevant precedents and problems, and legible presentation of outcomes.

Cities predominantly in the Global South are studied in relationship to landscape systems. Focus on historic and future urbanization at the interface of natural systems and climate dynamics.

A broad range of developing urban landscape conditions and issues, both domestic and global, are given focused attention.

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.

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.

A seminar on architectural history from Alberti to Scott, reviewing primary texts and subsequent criticisms.

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

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.

Understanding of the global history of landscape design in relation to social, political, religious, environmental and aesthetic principles; current design theory, projects and their historical references are critically reviewed and analyzed.

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.

Introduces methods of designing with communities rather than for them. It focuses on public history, cultural asset mapping and participatory design.

Fundamental technical skillset applicable to the design and delivery of high-performance facade systems. The predominant focus will be the design of contemporary glazed curtainwalls and rainscreen systems in their many forms.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Overview of multiple fabrication, manufacturing, and construction techniques used in the production of architecture, furniture and industrial design.

Computational capacities of parametric software, including flow dynamics, procedural media, and geospatial analysis, to analyze and generate both existing and emergent systems at the landscape scale.

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.

Directed research option for the MLArch degree.

Advanced thematic topical investigations emphasizing diverse areas of specialization. Projects will be faculty-led research investigations that concentrate on diverse areas of vital concern.

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.

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.