Bachelor of Science in Architecture

History, Theory and Criticism of Architecture and Art Stream

The History Theory and Criticism of Architecture and Art (HTC) discipline group teaches subjects that deal with the history of architecture and art, as well as the theoretical and political presuppositions informing that history. Offerings range in content and method. Some are motivated by questions derived from the problems of contemporary practice. Others investigate a body of historical material in ways that develop analytical skills applicable to a wide range of topics.

BSA: Major in HTC

Year 1

  • Freshman Seminar in Architecture (Fall)
  • 4.111 Introduction to Architecture and Environmental Design (HASS-A) (Spring)

Year 2

  • 4.112 Architecture Design Fundamentals 1 (Fall)
  • 4.401 Architecture Building Systems (Fall)
  • 4.500 Introduction to Design Computing (Fall)
  • 4.302 Foundation in the Visual Arts & Design (CI-M) (Spring)
  • 4.605 Introduction to the History and Theory of Architecture (HASS-A)

Year 3

  • 4.613 Civic Architecture in Islamic History (HASS-A) (Spring) or 4.614 Religious Architecture and Islamic Cultures (HASS-A) (Fall)
  • 4.601 Introduction to Art History (HASS-A) (Fall)
  • 4.6xx One additional HTC subject

  • 4.602 Modernism and Mass Culture (HASS-A) (Spring) or 4.641 19th Century Art (HASS-A) (Spring) or 4.651 Art since 1940 (HASS-A) (Fall)
  • 4.3xxx One elective ACT subject

Year 4

  • 4.THT Thesis Research Design Seminar (CI-M) (Fall)
  • 4.6xx Two advanced HTC subjects
  • 4.THU Undergraduate Thesis (Spring)
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Minor in HTC

This minor program is designed to enable students to concentrate on the historical, theoretical and critical issues associated with artistic and architectural production. Introductions to the historical framework and stylistic conventions of art and architectural history are followed by more concentrated study of particular periods and theoretical problems in visual culture and in cultural history in general.

A minor is a coherent program providing significant experience in the discipline. Students who successfully complete minor programs will have their fields of study specified as part of their Bachelor of Science degrees, thus giving public recognition of focused work in other disciplines. The Minor Program in the History of Architecture and Art consists of six approved subjects arranged into three levels of study and chosen as follows:

Tier 1

Two subjects (either 4.601 or 4.602 AND either 4.605 or 4.614)

  • 4.601 Introduction to Art History
  • 4.602 Modern Art and Mass Culture
  • 4.605 Introduction to History & Theory of Architecture
  • 4.614 Religious Architecture and Islamic Culture

Tier 2

Three subjects covering both areas. Semesters listed are a general indication of when the subject is taught—actual availability varies. Select courses at Harvard and Wellesley and other approved subjects are possible. Consult the Minor Advisor.

History of Architecture (no more than two)

  • 4.613 Civic and Residential Islamic Architecture
  • 4.635 Renaissance Architecture
  • 4.645 Selected Topics in Architecture: 1750 to Present
  • 4.665 Contemporary Arch. and Critical Debate

History of Art (no more than two)

  • 4.641 19th-Century Art
  • 4.651 Art Since 1940
  • 4.671 Nationalism, Internationalism and Globalism in Modern Art
  • 4.673 Installation Art

Tier 3

One Subject: An advanced graduate subject with permission of the Minor Advisor and instructor or 4.609: Seminar in the History of Art and Architecture.

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HASS concentration in HTC

MIT provides a substantial and varied program in the humanities, arts, and social sciences that forms an essential part of the education of every undergraduate. This program is intended to ensure that students develop a broad understanding of human society, its traditions, and its institutions. The HASS requirement enables students to deepen their knowledge in a variety of cultural and disciplinary areas and encourages the development of sensibilities and skills vital to an effective and satisfying life as an individual, a professional, and a member of society.

The HASS Concentration in the History of Architecture and Art is comprised of four approved subjects in a single field. The Concentration field advisor helps interested students develop a program of related subjects and approves the proposal prior to submission to the HASS Office. It is expected that the proposal will be submitted prior to the start of the junior year. Select four subjects: THREE in Group A and ONE in Group B

A: History of Architecture and Art

History of Architecture

  • 4.221, Architecture Studies Faculty Colloquium (1st term)
  • One or two core subjects in methods from the list below depending on the student's area of study (1st and/or 2nd semester):
  • Six subjects within the student's area of interest; in Architecture and Urbanism, two of the subjects must be 4.241J Theory of City Form and one approved option design studio
  • 4.288, Preparation for SMArchS Thesis (3rd term)
  • 4.THG, Graduate Thesis (final term)


History of Art

  • 4.221, Architecture Studies Faculty Colloquium (1st term)
  • One or two core subjects in methods from the list below depending on the student's area of study (1st and/or 2nd semester):
  • Six subjects within the student's area of interest; in Architecture and Urbanism, two of the subjects must be 4.241J Theory of City Form and one approved option design studio
  • 4.288, Preparation for SMArchS Thesis (3rd term)
  • 4.THG, Graduate Thesis (final term)

B: Visual Arts and Design

  • 4.301 Introduction to Visual Arts
  • 4.302 BSAD Foundations in the Visual Arts & Design (Course 4 majors only)
  • 4.312 Adv. Studio Production of Space
  • 4.314 Adv. Wkshp in Artistic Practice & Transdisciplinary Research
  • 4.322 Intro to Three-Dimensional Art
  • 4.330 Intro to Networked Cultures & Participatory Media
  • 4.332 Adv. Seminar in Networked Cult. & Participatory Media
  • 4.341 Introduction to Photography & Related Media
  • 4.343 Photography and Related Media
  • 4.351 Introduction to Video
  • 4.352 Advanced Video
  • 4.366 Advanced Projects in Visual Arts
  • 4.368 Studio Seminar in Public Art
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