Course Overview
This course explores the history of building materials, technology and structural systems, following a roughly chronological path from the emergence of First Civilizations to the present day. These explorations take place within the context of the prevailing social, political and economic forces. Students will research and write one term paper on a topic of their choice, focusing on the materials and technology used in a particular building type, geographic or cultural context or at a particular time in history. One mid-term and one final slide exam will test the students’ knowledge of building practices at different periods in history, and their ability to identify and describe significant built examples.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
3.0
- Retired
- This course has been retired and is no longer offered. Find other Flexible Learning courses that may interest you.
Learning Outcomes
- Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to
- Identify the most important building materials and systems in use from pre-Classical times to the present day.
- Outline the history, evolution and application of these materials and building systems.
- Explain the most important historical influences (whether structural, geographic or cultural) on the choice of materials and building systems.
- In the contemporary context, understand the relationship between material choice and sustainability.
Effective as of Fall 2016
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.