History and Preservation Option, History: Overview

Architectural History is about knowing buildings well—how to see them and how to understand the context in which they were built. Over the years the History and Preservation Option has gained national and international recognition through the work of such distinguished historians and educators as Nathan C. Ricker, Fiske Kimball, Rexford G. Newcomb, Turpin C. Bannister, James G. van Derpool, Frank J. Roos, Ernest A. Connally, Alan K. Laing, and Walter L. Creese. In this tradition, a visiting Laing professor is appointed to teach a graduate seminar in a specialist field.

Students in the History and Preservation Option may focus on Architectural History or Historic Preservation. Students in the Architectural History track take courses in the humanities and languages in addition to advanced Architectural History courses. Those in the Historic Preservation track take preservation planning, humanities, and some technical courses relating to restoration and rehabilitation. Graduate seminars in architectural history and preservation are offered by each faculty member. Architectural design seminars in vernacular architecture, theory, and Japanese architecture are also offered.