A Global History of Architecture: Part 1
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Start Date: 19 Sep, 2017
  • Self-Paced
  • Study Content: Videos


Learn about humanity’s rich architectural history on this journey around the globe – from 100,000 BCE to ca. 1,600 CE.

Course Fee: Free
Certificate Cost: 49.00 USD

Introduction

Introduction Video

Course Description

This course is made available through the eLearnAfrica and Edx partnership.

How do we understand architecture? One way of answering this question is by looking through the lens of history, beginning with First Societies and extending to the 16th century. This course in architectural history is not intended as a linear narrative, but rather aims to provide a more global view, by focusing on different architectural "moments."


How did the introduction of iron in the ninth century BCE impact regional politics and the development of architecture? How did new religious formations, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, produce new architectural understandings? What were the architectural consequences of the changing political landscape in northern Italy in the 14th century? How did rock-cut architecture move across space and time from West Asia to India to Africa? How did the emergence of corn impact the rise of religious and temple construction in Mexico?


Each lecture analyzes a particular architectural transformation arising from a dynamic cultural situation. Material covered in lectures will be supplemented by readings from the textbook A Global History of Architecture.


Join us on a journey around the globe and learn how architecture has developed and interacted with the world’s culture, religion, and history.

Certificate cost may vary. You will be redirected to the host page for cost and payment options.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology — a coeducational, privately endowed research university founded in 1861 — is dedicated to advancing knowledge and educating students in science, technology, and other areas of scholarship that will best serve the nation and the world in the 21st century. Learn more about MIT. Through MITx, the Institute furthers its commitment to improving education worldwide.

 

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This institution is available on eLearnAfrica through partnership with Edx.

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