Academic Catalogs

ARCH A110: Introduction to Architecture

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 11/02/2022
Top Code 020100 - Architecture and Architectural Technology
Units 2 Total Units 
Hours 36 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 36)
Total Outside of Class Hours 0
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee No
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S)

Course Description

This introductory course explores the professional and academic aspects of architecture and related professions. Lectures will include licensing, educational choices, history, practice, design, theory, structures, and personal goal setting; guest speakers and an office visit will give students a firsthand chance to observe multiple sides of the profession. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of architectural and related professions and be able to evaluate and communicate ideas and opinions about design and building as evidenced in written and verbal reports to be assessed by the instructor.
  2. Develop a personal strategy for reaching academic and professional goals as evidenced in career-related assignments to be assessed by the instructor.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Demonstrate knowledge of basic ideas and vocabulary of architecture including history, practice, design theory and structures.
  • 2. Design and implement a career goal and strategy, including licensure and education.
  • 3. Identify and analyze a pertinent university and their transfer requirements.
  • 4. Identify skills necessary for entry-level internship in an environmental design profession.
  • 5. Distinguish how differing professional philosophies and ideals offer a range of professional service and opportunity in environmental design.
  • 6. Analyze the operation and culture of a professional organization by visiting a design office.
  • 7. Examine and analyze their physical surroundings through observation, study and experience of a good example of architecture in a case study project or service learning project.
  • 8. Recognize the importance of starting a portfolio and maintaining records of student work.

Lecture Content

Introduction to Architecture History Practice through the ages Design theory Structural integrity & cultural meanings   Career Success in Architecture and Related Professions Finding your interests and setting goals Making a professional career plan Strategies for achieving goals and obtaining internships   Architectural Education & University Transfer Representative schools and selection criteria Admissions requirements Student placement Educational settings, characteristics Accreditation   Employment Types of positions Typical office structure & workflow Entry level skill requirements & internships Specialty skills within the professions Resume, portfolio & interviews Preparation for the A.R.E. and Intern Development Program   Portfolio Preparation Purpose and objectives Content and arrangement Material to include Reproduction of original work Archiving & recording school process & projects Computer skills & archiving digital files   Architects Registration Examination and Licensing Purpose and objectives Organizations and Internet resources Eligibility requirements Content and pass/fail statistics California Comprehensive Intern Development Program (CIDP) California Supplemental examination National Certification & Reciprocity   Architects Professional Practice and the Architect/Client Contract Practice law Architects contract and liability Client & Contractor relationship Pre-design through construction administration Consultants   Guest Speakers: Representing architecture and related professions and education comprise 6 – 8 of the course sessions (based on scheduling and availability of guests lecturers).   Typical lecture topics include: Description of personal education and professional backgrounds Discussion of professional design philosophies and methods of operation Presentation of their work and contemporary issues and challenges Commentary and insights on their perception and experiences in the profession Students are required to produce a summary of each presentation; which includes student reflection and reaction to the view provided by the speakers.   Office Visit – Students go to an architecture or related office (arranged by instructor) and visit with representatives of the firm.  The students have an informational interview form as a guideline. Typical experiences include exposure to: The physical environment of a professional office The social and professional structure and culture of a design office Completed work and work in progress Students produce a written report documenting their experience and insights.   Case Study/Service Learning - Students are required to participate in a service learning experience relating to the architecture/construction field, or to select a non-residential building, visit it, research the building and write a case study report focusing on: Building access from off-street parking, entrance, and orientation Relationship of interior spaces and movement through the building Analysis of the buildings appearance, context and design statement Analysis of the design philosophy and intention< / Students also present and discuss their case studies  and service learning experience to help them become critical and conversant about architecture and the design process and community

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
  • DE Online Lecture (02X)

Instructional Techniques

Instructor lecture/discussions with images, guest speakers, field trips; and small group collaborative efforts on the case study analysis and presentation or service learning project.

Reading Assignments

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Writing Assignments

Critical thinking skills will primarily be demonstrated through guest speaker summary reports (which include reflection and opinion), case study written and photo analysis, and office visit report.  Additionally, some minor writing will occur in the form of graphical text on visual presentations and on career oriented assignments (such as a resume and business card).

Out-of-class Assignments

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Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Instructor evaluation of the following:  case study of a notable, local building, guest speaker summary reports, office visit/interview report, quizzes, and goal setting design exercises.  Participation in small group presentation and discussion of building case study or service learning activity in Power Point format will also be credited.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Critical thinking skills will primarily be demonstrated through guest speaker summary reports (which include reflection and opinion), case study written and photo analysis, and office visit report.  Additionally, some minor writing will occur in the form of graphical text on visual presentations and on career oriented assignments (such as a resume and business card).

Eligible Disciplines

Architecture: Any bachelors degree and two years of professional experience, or any associate degree and six years of professional experience.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Goldberger, Paul. Why Architecture Matters, Current ed. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2011 Rationale: Book is still relevent. Library has book online as a Zero Cost Text Book.

Other Resources

1. California Architects Board (Licensing requirements):  http://www.cab.ca.gov  National Architectural Accreditation Board (National educational requirements for licensing and links to all accredited schools in the US.):  http://www.naab.org  National Council of Architectural Registration Board (Licensing Information for US):  http://www.ncarb.org