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Program Details
Architectural historians study the built environment through looking at visual and textual sources as well as material culture. In Carleton’s History and Theory of Architecture program, we explore global architecture and cities, as well as the history of design and artwork. The periods and geographies range from early modern Asian and Islamic art to Canadian and North American Indigenous architecture.
Our material covers various subjects related to global architectural history from the prehistoric period to the present day. This broader framework enables our students to gain awareness of the social and cultural role of architecture and urban design both on a local and international level. Our students come away from the program with a historical framework for understanding cities, architecture, design and artwork within context. They acquire the intellectual skills and visual literacy necessary to interpret architecture and other visual phenomena.
We critically analyze the products of the human imagination and the visual expressions of different societies. At the same time, we look at human experiences that gave significance to such images and material embodiments. This approach leads to understanding different architectural and cultural practices within their social environment. Students equipped with these intellectual tools become informed and thoughtful individuals with social responsibilities towards their localities and the world in an increasingly visual and globalized society.
We strive to create an inclusive and diverse learning experience and community by recognizing the important role architecture plays for spatial justice and cross-cultural understanding.
Deepen Your Understanding and Gain a Global Perspective
Our program organizes regular field trips, invites guest speakers from outside the university and creates study abroad opportunities in locations such as Venice, Rome and England.
Capital Advantage
The National Capital Region offers so many exciting opportunities to visit institutions related to architecture, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, the Ottawa Art Gallery and Library and Archives Canada.
Work Experience
Our unique practicum program gives students academic credit for working in organizations like Parks Canada and the Society for the Study of Architecture in Canada, or firms like PR-TY Architects.
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Career Outcomes
Explore your passions, refine new skills and discover the career that’s right for you.
We foster intellectual skills that apply to any profession in which critical thinking and communication skills are important.
Sample Courses
ARTH 1200 - History and Theory of Architecture: Prehistory to 1500
An introduction to the history of architecture from prehistory to ca. 1500, considering technological, formal, intellectual and social developments that informed the built environment through a range of building types.
ARTH 3107 - History and Methods of Architectural History
The study of the methodologies and research approaches employed by architectural historians.
Visit the Undergraduate Calendar to view a comprehensive list of course offerings for this program and discover the exciting things Carleton students are learning in the classroom!
I am glad to have chosen History and Theory of Architecture for my studies because of the enriched architecture courses both technically and historically. As someone who aspires to be an architect, I’m thankful to my professors who have taught me the historical importance of communities. I am also glad to have chosen Carleton because of its vibrant student community, and I’m actively involved with Carleton’s Art and Architectural History Undergraduate Society.
