Aims

Students will acquire a basic knowledge and learn how to identify and analyse the type, artistic trend, and date of a building.
They will learn how to use reference tools.
They will master part of the basic vocabulary.

Main themes

To provide basic knowledge informed by the main successive tendencies of High Western architecture from the 4th-5th to the 16th century.
In the proposed domain:
- to suggest an outline of the main reference points, emphasizing typological and chronological aspects;
- to introduce a critical approach to architectural documents and their meaning at the time;
- to learn how to view and read an architectural report.
Illustrated lectures.

Content and teaching methods

Cf. the actual table of contents of the course notes:
- First part: Religious architecture (churches and monasteries): 1. High Middle Ages; 2. Romanesque period; 3. Vaulting; 4. Gothic period.
- Second part: Civil architecture: 1. public buildings (markets and town halls); 2. urban dwellings.
- Third part: Architecture and defence: 1. castles; 2. city walls.
General evolution (9th - 14th century) and adaptation to fire arms (15th century).
- Fourth part: Related problems: 1. maitrise d'œuvre (the Medieval "architect"); 2. the building site; 3. materials.
Illustrated lectures and compulsory reading folder

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Pre-requisites: High school history course.
Assessment: Oral examination based on questions and images/pictures.
Course Materials: Illustrated course notes. Slides. Numerical image/picture bank.
Means: Illustrated course notes are available. Additional references can be found in the library through the bibliography. Compulsory readings.

Other credits in programs