Architecture (ARCH)
1000 Freshman Level2000 Sophomore Level 3000 Junior Level4000 Senior Level
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Courses with an asterisk (*) are open only to architecture majors
or to students having permission of the dean.
1000 Level Course
1311. [ARCH 1311] Design, Environment, and Society (3:3:0). Introduction to architecture as an integral component of a complex world. Examination of societal and environmental contexts and appropriate design responses. Fulfills Core Social and Behavioral Sciences – Individual or Group Behavior requirement. F.
1341. Architectural Freehand Drawing (3:0:6). Basic skills and techniques in representational drawing. Subjects include the human figure, architectural interiors and exteriors, landscapes and cityscapes. Black and white media.
1353. Digital Media I (3:2:2). Prerequisite: AutoCAD. An introduction to the use of the computer as a design drawing tool with an emphasis on conceptual knowledge and computing skills for design communication.
1412. [ARCH 1303, 1304] Architectural Design Studio I (4:4:2). Introduction to the principles and methods used at various stages of design analysis and synthesis processes. Skill developments in the abstraction, transformation, and composition of two- and three-dimensional design. Fulfills Core Visual and Performing Arts requirement. S.
2000 Level Courses
2311. [ARCH 1301] History of World Architecture c. 3000 BC to c. 1600 AD (3:3:0). Survey of the development of world architecture from the ancient era to the advent of enlightenment in Europe. Fulfills multicultural requirement. Fulfills Core Humanities requirement.
2315. [ARCH 1302] History of 18th, 19th, and 20th Century Architecture (3:3:0). Prerequisite: ARCH 2311. Survey of the development of World Architecture from the Enlightenment in Europe to the present.
2342. Architectural Design Drawing (3:0:6). Prerequisite: ARCH 1341. Development of graphic communication skills. Graphic exploration through analytical drawing techniques. Application of color theory. S.
2351. [ARCH 2312] Architectural Construction I (3:3:0). Corequisite or credit in: ARCH 2501. Introduction to construction systems, methods, and materials with emphasis on the wall section. Introduction to issues of sustainability and envelope performance.
2355. Architectural Environmental Systems (3:3:0). Introduction to thermal design; daylighting; analysis of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; and acoustical design. F.
2501.* [ARCH 1403] Architectural Design Studio II (5:2:8). Prerequisite: admission to the professional program. Basic-Internal. Introducing design skills that are core and internal to architecture. Practical-drawing as inquiries/form/transformation/composition/spatial modulation. F.
2502.* [ARCH 1404]. Architectural Design Studio III (5:2:8). Prerequisite: ARCH 2501. Basic-External. Introduces design skills that are external to architectural practice-drawing as inquiries and analysis, integration of building elements, site and program.
3000 Level Courses
3312. Architectural Theory Seminar (3:3:0). Prerequisite: ARCH 2315. Topical theory seminar involving analysis of a body of scholarly literature, frequent writing and focused research. (Writing intensive)
3313. Architectural History Seminar (3:3:0). Prerequisite: ARCH 2315. Focused studies in western/non-western architectural history involving written and oral analysis of scholarly sources. Topic varies and may include preservation, race, class and/or gender issues. (Writing Intensive)
3314. Contemporary Issues in Architecture (3:3:0). Prerequisite: ARCH 2311 and 2315. Contemporary issues in architectural theory and history utilizing precedents from early 20th century to present. (Writing Intensive)
3341. Digital Media II (3:3:2). Prerequisite: ARCH 1353. The use of 3-D computer graphics and modeling or design development with an emphasis on multimedia design presentations.
3350. Architectural Construction II (3:3:2). Prerequisite: ARCH 2351. Study of statics, member analysis, material science, and advanced construction systems with emphasis on the systems module and introduction to system integration code and cost.
3352. Building Information Technology (3:3:4). Prerequisite: ARCH 1353, 2355, and 3350. Analysis of communication of technical information and the process of preparing documents for building construction utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM).
3355. Architectural Construction III (3:3:2). Prerequisite: ARCH 3350. Study of structural capacity, connection design, and envelope performance and cost with emphasis on cladding. Introduction to system integration. Outside assignments required.
3356. Special Studies in Construction Technology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: ARCH 3355. Approved technology elective dealing with the advanced study of technical building concerns.
3361. Design Workshop (3:3:3). Special projects and project development in architectural design. May be repeated for credit.
3362. Product Design Workshop (3:0:6). Introduction to the design and executed construction of a prototypical piece of furniture or other design product using an architectural design process. May be repeated for credit. S.
3373. Environmental Analysis - Site Planning (3:3:0). A basic course to develop a working knowledge of the techniques and principles involved in site planning to provide optimum living and working environments.
3501.* Architectural Design Studio IV (5:2:8). Prerequisite: ARCH 2502. Building frame and skin. Teaches design skills centered on the technology of enclosure in building design. Introduces life safety and building codes. F.
3502.* Architectural Design Studio V (5:2:8). Prerequisite: ARCH 3501. Building systems. Teaches design skills centered on the building as a technological system and ecological device. Considers site and building details. Back to Top
4000 Level Courses
4000. Research in Architecture and Urban Studies (V1-6). Prerequisite: Advanced standing and approval of the dean. Individual studies of special interest in advanced architecture, history of architecture, and city planning. May be repeated for credit.
4091.* Architectural Internship (3). Prerequisite: ARCH 3502. Individual study based on an approved internship position consisting of a minimum of 300 hours per semester or summer.
4311. Architecture in Nonwestern Societies (3:3:0). A study of multicultural architectural contributions, interrelationships of culture and architecture, diversity of traditions, meanings, modernity, and change in the nonwestern world. Fulfills multicultural requirement.
4341. Media Elective (3:3:2). Analog or digital media options chosen from approved list.
4354. Integrative Building Modeling (3:3:2). Prerequisite: ARCH 2355, ARCH 3355. Integration of structural, mechanics, electrical, plumbing, and code with life safety systems into building design, through a comprehensive building model.
4361. Architectural Studies Seminar (3:3:0). The study, presentation, and discussion of issues regarding architecture as an aspect of culture. May be repeated for credit.
4363. Architectural Theory (3:3:0). Prerequisite: ARCH 2311 and 2315. Examination of the theoretical issues in architecture through critical reading of texts selected from Vitruvius to the most contemporary thinkers in relation to the emerging design challenges. (Writing Intensive)
4364. Issues of Differences in the Built Environment (3:3:0). Issues of race, ethnicity, culture, gender, and political - economic contexts influencing process of design of architecture, the built environment and international and cross-cultural architectural practices.
4365. Architectural Project Management (3:3:0). Project organization and management documentation of project information, budget analysis, and coordination of consultants and building systems.
4366. Design and Building Methodology (3:3:0). Design and construction under one contract as a delivery system, including scheduling, bidding, job site safety, and management.
4381. Urban Theory (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Junior standing in architecture curriculum. An extensive writing course offering a comprehensive exploration of the relationship between culture, the city, planning, and urban design. (Writing Intensive)
4601. *Architectural Design Studio VI (6:3:8). Prerequisite: ARCH 3502. Urbanism: design of urban aggregates of buildings, infrastructure, and land use. Explores the interface between culture and architecture at the scale of the city. Must be taken off campus in study abroad programs.
4602.* Collaboration Studio (6:3:8). An interdisciplinary studio for the design professions which addresses the process and skills necessary for collaboration as well as team-developed products. El Paso only. (Field Trip Required)Back to Top
5000 Level Courses
5102. Graduate Colloquium (1:1:0). An academic seminar on a broad field of study, each meeting is usually led by a different lecturer and will be followed by a question and answer session.
5301. Special Problems in Architecture (3). Prerequisite: College approval. Individual study projects in architecture of special interest to students. May be repeated for credit. Particularly useful for Interdisciplinary Studies master’s program.
5302. Product Design Workshop (3:0:6). Introduction to the design and executed construction of a prototypical piece of furniture or other design product using an architectural design process. F.
5311. Special Problems in Architectural History (3). Individual advanced studies in architectural history of special interest to the student. May be repeated for credit.
5313. Special Studies in the History of Architecture (3:3:0). Prerequisite: ARCH 2311 and 2315. Studies in architectural history involving written and oral analysis of scholarly sources. Topics vary and may include preservation, class, race, and/or gender issues.
5315. Systems of Architectural Inquiry (3:3:0). An investigation into the schools of thought and methods of inquiry, including the craft of research with a focus on writing, reading, and critical thinking.
5319. History of American Architecture: Pre-Contact to 1865 (3:3:0). Prerequisite: ARCH 2311 or approval of instructor. History of American Cultural expression, using buildings as a vehicle for exploring diverse issues including race, class and gender. Time period covers Pre-Contact to 1865.
5320. History of American Architecture: 1865 to the Present (3:3:0). Prerequisite: ARCH 2311 or approval of instructor. History of American Cultural expression, using buildings as a vehicle for exploring diverse issues including race, class and gender. Time period 1865 to present.
5321. Historic Building Technology and Documentation (3:3:0). Survey of techniques of restoration and stabilization of historic buildings; standards of workmanship; traditional methods and new technologies. Survey of documentation techniques and preservation design.
5324. History and Theory of Historic Preservation (3:3:0). Survey of theory and practice of historic preservation and restoration; overview of the history of the preservation movement in the U.S.
5325. Conservation Policies (3:3:0). Survey of federal and state enabling legislation; federal, state, and local policies on historic preservation and urban design, discussion of redevelopment strategies.
5326. History of American Architecture: Pre-Colombian to 1900 (3:3:0). A survey of American architecture from the Pre-Columbian period to the year 1900. Architecture will be studied in a broad context that will include American art, literature, city planning, politics, and professional practice.
5333. Special Studies in the History of Architecture (3:3:0). Prerequisite: ARCH 2311 and 2315. Studies in western / nonwestern Architectural history involving written and oral analysis of scholarly sources. Topic varies and may include preservation, class, race and/or gender issues.
5334. Advanced Studies in Construction Technology (3:3:2). Prerequisite: ARCH 3355. Approved technology elective dealing with the advanced study of technical building methods and means.
5341. Internet Media for Visualization Design (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Fundamental understanding of Windows and graphic computer applications or approval of instructor. This course focuses on the design implications and application of interactive Internet visualization media for the communication of virtual environments.
5342. Architecture Drawing (3:0:9). Skills and techniques of drawing. Translation of perceptions of three-dimensional objects and spaces into graphic expression. Outside assignments required. May be repeated once for credit.
5343. 3-D Computer Animation and Imaging (3:3:0). Prerequisite: ARCH 2354, equivalent, or instructor approval. This course covers the theory, design, and application three-dimensional computer animation and imaging.
5344. Virtual Reality Software and Technology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: 3D model / animation experience, permission of instructor. Focus on the theory, design, implementation and application of creating 3D stereoscopic real-time virtual environments.
5345. Design Visualization Studio (3:0:6). Prerequisite: ARCH 5343 and 5344 or permission of instructor. Students shall pursue the design and visualization of digital environments for design exploration, communication, research simulation, entertainment or gaming. May be repeated for credit.
5347. 3-D Digital Visualization (3:3:2). A study of the concepts, principles, and techniques of three-dimensional digital modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering.
5352. Computer Applications to Architecture (3:3:0). Survey of digital computer applications to the issues and processes of architecture and planning. May be repeated for credit.
5361. Architectural Theory Seminar (3:3:0). Architecture as art, science, and a contemporary philosophical concept. Exploration of context and goals. Illustrated lectures. May be repeated for credit.
5362. Theory in Architecture (3:3:0). Examination of theoretical issues in architecture through critical reading of texts selected from Vitruvius to the most contemporary thinkers in relation to emerging design challenges.
5365. Architecture Research Methods (3:3:0). Comprehensive survey of qualitative and quantitative research methods and their method-specific hypothesis formulation, data acquisition, verification, and analysis.
5382. Urban Theory (3:3:0). An extensive writing course proffering a comprehensive exploration of the relationship between culture, the city, planning, and urban design.
5383. Urban Land Development (3:3:0). The land conversion process including feasibility analysis market and merchandising targets, site selection design, construction and financial analysis. Land-use controls, planning, and environmental constraints.
5384. Community Design and Development Resources (3:3:0). Investigation of the development resources available to community and designers emphasizing partnerships and collaboration.
5391. Architectural Internship (3). Individual study based on approved internship position consisting of a minimum of 300 hours per semester or summer. Internship will not be approved if the student has received credit for ARCH 4091.
5392. Professional Practice (3:3:1). The principles and practices of architectural business including the discussion of professionalism, administration, management, legalities, and liabilities. Exploration of current, advanced, and complex processes for the delivery of architecture.
5395.* Master Design Studio I (3:0:6). Prerequisite: ARCH 5365; corequisite or prerequisite ARCH 5362. Guided individual research and documentation in a studio, leading to a seminal architectural project in ARCH 5692.
5501. Advanced Architectural Design Studio (5:0:10). Topical studio that explores design, theoretical and/or technological issues that affect current architectural thought and practice.
5502. Advanced Architectural Design Studio (5:0:10). Topical studio that explores design and theoretical and/or technological issues that affect current architectural thought and practice.
5503. Advanced Architectural Design Studio (5:0:10). Topical studio that explores design, theoretical, and/or technological issues that affect current architectural thought and practice.
5506. Collaboration Studio (5:1:9). An interdisciplinary studio for the design professions addressing the process and skills necessary for collaboration as well as team-development products.
5622. Preservation Studio (6:0:12). Research on current preservation issues. Individual projects required.
5901. Comprehensive Design Studio (9:0:18). Design of a comprehensive architectural project based on a building program and site that includes an understanding of structural and environmental systems, building assemblies, and principles of sustainability.
6000 Level Course
6000. Master’s Thesis (V1-12).
7000 Level Course
7000. Research (V1-12).
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